Does the Exterior of Your Home Need Repair?

Homeowners that are conscientious about the maintenance of their home sometimes have a greater concern about exterior maintenance versus interior maintenance.  After all, we have the ability to control the environment (humidity, temperature, etc.) inside our homes, but we have very little control over the environment outside of our homes.  So the question many homeowners face is both what to look for on the outside of their home in order to determine if a repair or replacement is required and how to look for it. 

The most efficient way to look for areas that may require maintenance is to harness the power of simple technology to see places that could be dangerous to inspect (i.e., roofs and related areas) and use visual inspection of areas that are easily accessible.  A good pair of binoculars or a digital camera (with a zoom in feature) should be used to inspect: 1) roof shingles to see if any are missing or not lined up properly due to wind damage; 2) flashing around anything that is on the roof, especially chimneys, but also dormers, plumbing vents, and skylights to make sure it has not become loose or misaligned and; 3) roof valleys where different sloped roof sections meet to make sure leaves, snow and of course water are not collecting. 

For the following areas a visual inspection should be easily accomplished by the homeowner without the need for anything but perhaps a ladder and a keen eye: 1) gutters and downspouts for cleaning and/or repairs in late spring after trees have greened; 2) siding and corner boards for condition and secure attachment with painting required to prevent water damage and power washing for vinyl siding or perhaps replacement if the age and condition warrant it; 3) windows for painting if made of wood and caulking of seal gaps for all window materials. 

A key priority for a homeowner is to make sure exterior preventive maintenance is done and needed repairs are made in a timely manner. This will minimize the cost of home repairs, so you can invest in more home improvements. The first step to good home exterior maintenance is inspecting your house.  After your inspection if you have concerns, then feel free to contact Feazel for free inspection and an honest opinion on a course of action.

Feazel’s mission is to be the top choice for residential home services in Ohio & North Carolina by delivering the best customer service and stress-free buying experience in the home improvement industry. Our core values of service, integrity, quality, continued improvement, employee appreciation, community support, and environmental conservation are on display with every job we do.  

 

Why the Lowest Roofing Bid May Not be the Best

It is always a good idea to get at least 3 bids for any major residential home service such as replacing a roof.  When you are going to spend thousands of dollars for the project it just makes sense.  However, for anybody that has experienced the confusion and frustration of bids for the same project having prices that vary significantly here is some helpful information. 

First, each contractor bases their bid on many factors including material cost, hours to complete the project, and other variables.  So bids can differ based on those factors.  Therefore, when selecting the contractor it is not always the best practice to select the low bid.  As the old saying goes: “you get what you pay for” so understanding what is included in each bid could be a very good reason to select one that is not the lowest.  If the higher priced vendor is providing better materials that last longer and are warranted longer and doing a full replacement instead of a cover over, then the higher bid is a better value.  In fact, your selection should be based more on overall value than on the lowest price. 

Second, don’t hesitate to get recommendations from friends and family members that have replaced their roof with expectations that were exceeded by the contractor that performed the work.  After you get 3 bids that include the recommendation you may find the recommended contractor is not the lowest.  But you will have the past experience of a satisfied customer which is priceless when it comes to an important project like replacing your roof.  After all, a solid roof that does not leak and is properly installed the first time is worth more than one that does not last or experiences problems due to poor installation. 

Our experts here at Feazel are happy to come out to your home and provide a free 17 point inspection and free estimate.  In fact, we take pride in taking the time to make sure all your questions and concerns are addressed.  You can even schedule the free inspection with us online.  If you know a trusted neighbor, family member or friend that used Feazel, then ask them about us.  We are proud of our record of service. 

Feazel’s mission is to be the top choice for residential home services in Ohio and North Carolina by delivering the best customer service and stress-free buying experience in the home improvement industry.  We strive to maintain our highly regarded reputation earned over the past 28+ years.  Call or visit us online to learn more.

Not All Roof Warranties Are the Same

Many homeowners may not be aware that when they decide to replace the roof on their home they typically receive two warranties: one from the manufacturer that covers the products used and another from the installer that covers the workmanship.  Unfortunately, if the homeowner experiences any problems with their roof down the road, then there is a strong tendency for the installer to claim a product issue or the manufacturer to claim improper installation of their products.  Who gets stuck in the middle of this: the homeowner that simply wants the problem they are experiencing fixed. 

At Feazel we think there is a better way.  Feazel provides 100% of their customers with a true lifetime warranty that is fully transferable, non-prorated, and covers every element of the roof including the materials and installation with no exclusions for as long as they own the home.  If the home is sold within the first 10 years, then the warranty transfers to the next owner.  This gives our most important asset, satisfied Feazel customers, true peace of mind for their roof purchase. 

Feazel also believes in other best practices that provide our new roof customers peace of mind in addition to our lifetime warranty.  We employ only manufacturer certified installers, we include tear off and disposal costs in our prices, and offer the Good Housekeeping protection on our roofs.  Typical competitors do not offer these best practices as standard in their services. 

Feel free to contact Feazel for a free 17 point inspection and free estimate for your roof.    You can schedule the free inspection with us online or contacting us directly.     

Feazel is a trusted residential home services company in Ohio and North Carolina and we have built our reputation by offering superior roofing, windows, siding, gutters, chimneys, masonry, skylights, insulation and more.  Our core values of service, integrity, quality, continued improvement, employee appreciation, community support, and environmental conservation are on display with every job we do.  Call or visit us online to learn more.

Fun Things to do in Ohio this Winter

Just because the cold weather has arrived does not mean it is time to wait out the winter season for fun things to do in Ohio.  At Feazel we can perform our outstanding residential home services all winter long and still find time after hours to enjoy numerous exciting leisure time activities.  Here are a couple of our favorites. 

If music and art is your thing don’t miss the Brite Winter Festival in Ohio City in February.  It features top-notch local and regional music acts, hot drinks and treats and fireside conversations galore.  Plus there are the incredible art installations and tents along with vendors to visit and view.  All the events are free or low cost and fulfill the mission of the event sponsors to deliver creative culture during underserved times of the year.  The event slogan says it all:  Art. Music. Fire. Fun. 

For fans of Dicken’s and England, or just those that want some great fun, there is still time before the last day on January 2^nd, 2017, to visit the Dicken’s Victorian Village in Cambridge, Ohio.  Take a trip back in time with a unique walking tour back to life in 1850’s England.  Featuring more than 80 scenes with 180 lifelike figures that represent Victorian society and Dicken’s novels, this activity is a real crowd pleaser and completely unique to Ohio.  Be sure to visit the website for information on tickets and attending before heading out. 

Are you ready to exercise away some of those holiday treat calories?  One fun option is the Winter Sports Center at Kendall Lake in Peninsula, Ohio within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.  Snow shoe treks and cross-country skiing on peaceful trails in the winter is just the way to relax and burn calories.  And don’t worry if you don’t own equipment as you can rent it at the center.  Using snow shoes in particular is very easy to quickly learn and some people find it addictively fun when they try it for the first time.  When planning a trip remember to check their website for the dates they are open and also make sure there is snow on the ground! 

Feazel is a trusted residential home services company serving Raleigh NC, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland Ohio.  Our core values of service, integrity, quality, continued improvement, employee appreciation, community support, and environmental conservation are on display with every job we do.

 

Roofing Material Types and Costs

If the time has come to replace your roof, then you are probably want to be educated on the choices in roofing material, the cost associated with each, and some of the benefits and drawbacks of each.  The below primer may assist you.   

Asphalt shingles are used in 80% of the roof marketplace and for good reasons.  Cost is a major part of their popularity.  Expect to pay anywhere from $3.00 to $4.50 per square foot for the material.  Add to this the fact that they are durable and come in a variety of textures and colors and are easy to install which also keeps the cost down.  Recent advances in manufacturing techniques have created the ability to emulate different roof materials such as slate, tile and wood.  Perhaps the largest drawback to asphalt shingles is they can easily blow off in very high winds.  But replacement is inexpensive and easy.  Expect anywhere up to 30 years of life from an asphalt shingle roof depending on the product selected. 

An up and coming choice for roof material are tile shingles (both the traditional style rust color/curved and slate style) used primarily on Old-World style homes (traditional) and modern style and newer built homes (slate).  The cost of these can range from $11 to $16 per square foot and they can be flat or curved.  Tiles can be very energy efficient as air circulates underneath helping to keep the house cool in the summer and warm in the winter.  Another major benefit is that they can last over 100 years.  Slate tiles come in many styles and colors to accommodate all tastes.  But be sure your home can accommodate the weight of tile by checking with an engineer.   

Wood shingles and shake shingles are on a smaller number of homes and range from $6 to $8 per square foot for shingles and $7 to $9 for shakes.  They are most often cited for their beauty and how well they age plus the fact that they can last about 10 years longer than asphalt shingles.  But they are difficult to install correctly, more likely to catch fire, and prone to insect, rot and mold if not properly maintained. 

Costs are estimates only and should not be relied upon as a final cost 

At Feazel we can install any type of roof but we primarily use asphalt shingles for the replacements and repairs that we perform.  If you are contemplating a roof replacement or repair, then we invite you to contact us for a free inspection and estimate. 

Feazel’s mission is to be the top choice for residential home services in Ohio by delivering the best customer service and stress-free buying experience in the home improvement industry. Our core values of service, integrity, quality, continued improvement, employee appreciation, community support, and environmental conservation are on display with every job we do.   

Source: realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/types-of-roofing-pros-cons-and-costs/?is_wp_site=1

Feazel Looking For Top Talent

As a reputable residential home services company Feazel is looking for capable and motivated people with a heart for customer service to join our full-service exterior building solutions team at both our fast growing Cincinnati and Columbus locations.  At Feazel, our employees are what keeps our business running day-to-day and we reward them for a job well done.  We offer top compensation for top talent and fully paid medical/dental benefits plus flexible schedules and a positive work environment.  Our services include roof replacement, repair and maintenance, windows, siding, gutters, chimneys, masonry, skylights, insulation and more. 

There are currently opportunities in Columbus and Cincinnati for Residential and Commercial Roof Service Technicians.  Highly motivated and assertive individuals are encouraged to explore this career opportunity. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, inspecting properties as dispatched, identifying roof and exterior building deficiencies, quoting repairs, performing high quality exterior repairs, up selling service contracts and on-call emergency service rotation.  

Qualified candidates will have previous experience with multiple styles of sloped residential and commercial flat roofs, various siding, window installations and service, gutter installation and service and ventilation/insulation. Previous construction or home improvement experience is a plus but not required.  The ability to calculate and measure, excellent communication skills, and excellent customer service skills (friendly, courteous and helpful) are a must. 

Learn more about our company and its values at feazelinc.com/about/feazel-cincinnati/. If interested please email work experience and resume to trishr@feazelinc.com.

Feazel is a trusted residential home services company in Ohio and we have built our reputation by offering superior roofing, windows, siding, gutters, chimneys, masonry, skylights, insulation and more.  Our core values of service, integrity, quality, continued improvement, employee appreciation, community support, and environmental conservation are on display with every job we do.  Call or visit us online to learn more.

 

Choosing A Shingle Color

You knew one day the time would come to replace the roof on your home.  You became aware of this when you requested Feazel to come out for a free inspection several years ago. They informed you then that although the roof only needed some minor repairs it would likely need to be replaced in a few more years.   

Now the roof is ready for replacement and you contacted us again to do the job because of our superior reputation for quality, service, and honesty.  The only thing left to do is choose the color for your new asphalt shingle roof.  Here are some helpful tips to make this process easier and more enjoyable. 

The first step should be to use the Design Your Home App on our website to see what you like. After getting signed in you have the choice of using the sample homes that are available or uploading a photo of your own home. Once you are fully engaged in the app you can select areas of the home to design with window options, siding options and roof options including colors. Then drive around your neighborhood and check out the different color combinations of roof, brick / siding, and trim colors on the homes of your neighbors.  This will help you to learn what you think works and what doesn’t.  These are both good starting points to determine your preferences. 

The next step should be to make some of the larger decisions before you narrow down your choice of color.  For example, do you want a lighter or darker color?  Once you decide on light or dark it is best not to go too much to the extreme either way.  The darker the color the less sunlight that is reflected which can make your home warmer in the summer.  Too light a color may reflect more sunlight in the winter giving a tendency to need more energy to heat the home.  Browns and grays are selections that are more neutral choices with respect to energy concerns. 

It is always a good idea to get full size samples of the shingles with the colors you are considering and compare them directly to the brick, siding, stone or stucco on your home.  The color you pick should coordinate well with not only the exterior but also the trim of your home.  Of course if you are planning on changing the exterior of your home either now or in the future, then that should be taken into account with your color selection. 

Neutral colors tend to stay in style for many years but if you find a color that goes well with your home don’t be afraid to use it as long as it does not draw unwanted attention to the home.  If you live in a community with a home owners association, then be sure to check with them and see if they have any design review rules for roof colors before you make a selection.

Feazel’s mission is to be the top choice for residential home services in Ohio by delivering the best customer service and stress-free buying experience in the home improvement industry.  We strive to maintain our highly regarded reputation earned over the past 28+ years.  Call or visit us online to learn more.

Window Replacement – It’s Never Too Late

Perhaps you think that because fall is already here that it is too late for this year to think about replacing your worn-out and energy inefficient windows.  In fact, now is an excellent time to request a free inspection and estimate from Feazel.  Don’t wait until the winter when you might again notice cold air leaks and loss of insulation. 

At Feazel we can and do replace windows during any time of the year.  We have the ability to seal off the room we are working in to minimize any discomfort.  However, by acting now to replace your windows before the start of winter you could see lower utility bills during the entire length of the cold months while also enjoying much more comfort inside your home. 

The life of a window is not always easy to predict.  A properly installed and high quality window should last 20 – 30 years if properly maintained.  If your windows are in this range or older, then it is possible they may need replacement.  Still, if you have not experienced any problems during past winters but you begin to notice issues this winter, then by all means give us a call for an inspection and we will provide honest advice.  Or contact us for an inspection now if you just want some peace of mind regarding the condition of your windows. 

Another thing to consider is the condition of your sliding glass patio door.  Although the use of this door in the winter months may be limited, it is still a very large opening that can leak cold air into the home if it is not properly maintained or it is worn out.  Security of your home is also at stake if the locking mechanism is not working properly.  And the operation of the door is difficult if the rollers or tracks are experiencing issues.   

We can inspect your sliding glass door and, if warranted, recommend maintenance and lubrication on the door and the screen to get it running smoothly and efficiently.  Many times that is all that is needed.  You can count on us for integrity and quality when providing advice during our free inspection. 

Feazel’s mission is to be the top choice for residential home services in Ohio by delivering the best customer service and stress-free buying experience in the home improvement industry. Our core values of service, integrity, quality, continued improvement, employee appreciation, community support, and environmental conservation are on display with every job we do.  

Roof Ventilation and Winter Weather

Most homeowners know that proper roof ventilation in the summer months is important for removing heat and moisture from their attic.  In turn that helps keep cooling costs lower and preserve the structural soundness of the attic components as well as personal property that may be stored in the attic.  But many homeowners might not know that proper roof ventilation in the winter months is just as important.   

Inadequate roof ventilation causes large temperature differences between air in the attic and the air outside of the home.  In the winter this can lead to several problems.  One of the most common is ice damming and ice building up in the gutters.  If the damming is severe enough it can cause ice to build up under the shingles which may leak into the home.  It is also important to point out that both ice damming and ice buildup in the gutters can damage shingles and shorten the life of your roof. 

With winter just around the corner now is the time to check for proper roof ventilation. The good news is that you can easily determine if your roof has the proper ventilation in just a few minutes and without the need to call a professional.  On a sunny day take a look in your attic.  You are looking for daylight, not darkness.  If you do not see any, then you likely have an issue.  However, if you see daylight coming from the peak of your roof near the box or ridge vents as well as from the bottom at the eaves, then that is a sign of ventilation. 

If you would rather not do this yourself or have concerns about your roof ventilation you can contact Feazel for a free inspection.  Adding proper roof ventilation, even after the fact, can prevent problems and prolong the life of your roof. 

Feazel is a trusted residential home services company in Ohio serving Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and surrounding areas.  We have built our reputation by offering superior roofing, windows, siding, gutters, chimneys, masonry, skylights, insulation and more.  Call or visit us online to learn more about any of the services we offer.

 

Feazel Proud to Support Apartment Association Outreach

Feazel has been providing residential home services to residents of Ohio since 1988.  Homeowners trust us to provide the best customer service and stress-free buying experience when it comes to roofing, gutters, windows, siding, chimneys, masonry, skylights and insulation.  We also take a great deal of pride in making a positive impact in the communities we serve. 

One of our favorite community organizations is The Apartment Association Outreach.  Feazel is the Presenting Sponsor for this outstanding organization whose mission is to provide basic needs and emergency assistance to families and individuals in crisis.  Since 1991 they have been providing food, shelter and other basic needs to those that have no resources to fall back on during a time of need.  They do this through several programs including food assistance, rent assistance, a back pack drive for school supplies, and a program for seniors. 

The Outreach also has a program that offers scholarships for up to 4 deserving students to help with the costs of books and lab supplies that are not covered by other scholarships.  And each year the organization runs their “Night Out For Outreach” which helps raise funds for the organization and provides a fun night for all participants.  One of the highlights of the event is a raffle winner that gets the use of a Chevrolet Corvette from a local Chevrolet dealer! 

Recently, we had the opportunity to contribute $10,000 to a family within a community The Apartment Association Outreach serves.  It was a great Feel Good Friday for Feazel and we were very happy to be able to provide support to this deserving family and help strengthen the community. 

One of Feazel’s core values is commitment to supporting the communities we serve.  So we are proud to be a strong supporter of The Apartment Association Outreach. 

Feazel’s mission is to be the top choice for residential home services in Ohio by delivering the best customer service and stress-free buying experience in the home improvement industry.  We strive to maintain our highly regarded reputation earned over the past 28+ years.  Please contact us for a trusted solution for the best replacement windows in Ohio.

Not Every Roof is Suitable for Solar

For anyone who is keeping up on the fast changing developments in residential solar energy there are plenty of topics to discuss as of late.  Utility companies in several states have successfully challenged their regulators requirement that allows solar customers to sell their unused solar generated power back to the utility at retail rates in order to help finance the cost to install solar panels.  And Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, has acquired one of the largest residential solar energy companies, Solar City, and is promising to move the industry along to the next generation of residential solar.  In this fast moving environment, Feazel does not pretend to know exactly how roof top residential solar energy will continue to develop.  However, what we do know is that solar energy roofs are currently not suitable for all homeowners. 

According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory approximately 83% of small buildings are in locations with a suitable climate for solar installations but only 26% of those buildings are actually suitable for solar development. The roof may have an angle or shape that isn't suitable for solar or maybe there's tree cover, but lots of homes just don't make sense with solar.  In total, only about 21.6% of homes in the U.S. are appropriate for solar. 

As the industry moves toward so-called “next-gen” technologies there are important questions to be answered before homeowners invest in solar roofs.  One of the directions of the next generation is to have the roof itself be the solar product as opposed to solar panels.  But if this occurs, then the following issues will have to be resolved before it can be feasible to many homeowners.  First, how can roof products which contain a solar cell be reinforced so the roof can be walked on for repairs or snow removal?  Second, can the corners of the roof be sealed properly?  And, finally, the most important question: can the solar roof material adapt to the irregular shapes, angles and pitches of different roofs?

Feazel is a trusted residential home services company in Ohio and have built our reputation by offering superior roofing, windows, siding, gutters, chimneys, masonry, skylights, insulation and more.  Our core values of service, integrity, quality, continued improvement, employee appreciation, community support, and environmental conservation are on display with every job we do.  Call or visit us online to learn more. 

Source: http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/09/26/elon-musks-solar-roof-plans-are-a-big-gamble-no-ma.aspx#.V-rHAUWnc8Y.facebook

Cincinnati’s Endless Activities

Feazel is very pleased to be able to offer our full line of residential home services to the greater Cincinnati region.  We believe our core values are a perfect match with the values of the residents who live, work and play in Cincinnati.  And when it’s time to play, Cincinnati is second to none with the large number and variety of activities to choose from.   

Family fun activities are a good way to get the whole family together for some exciting times.  If the weather is not cooperating for being outside, then the Newport Aquarium is always a fun activity.  Be sure to check out the Galapagos tortoise and the pet sharks.  And for train lovers a must see is EnterTRAINment Junction which features 25,000 square feet of indoor train display.  For those beautiful Cincinnati days to be outside there is Kings Island which features the Banshee, the world’s longest inverted roller coaster.  And if that is too wild for your taste, then perhaps you would like a tour with Ride The Ducks Newport for a land and river view of the best local landmarks. 

If you are interested in Arts, Culture and History, then Cincinnati offers some great choices.  Uptown features the venerable Cincinnati Museum of Art which has an unparalleled collection of over 67,000 works spanning 6,000 years of history.  And for those whose tastes are more modern, the Contemporary Arts Center in Downtown has very interesting displays.  When visiting the CAC don’t forget to visit The UnMuseum which occupies an entire floor and has family friendly interactive art exhibits.  A lesser known but very fun museum, also located in Uptown, is the American Sign Museum which features displays  from the golden age of signs spanning the first half of the twentieth century. 

Foodies can rejoice in Cincinnati too!  Cincinnati was even named one of “six small cities with a big food scene” by a major national newspaper.   There are the mainstays of unique Cincinnati fare such as Skyline Chili for famous Cincinnati style chili and Graeter’s for French pot ice cream.  But there are also many restaurants and brew pubs that have garnered national attention such as Senate, Over The Rhine and Quarter Bistro. 

In Cincinnati as well as Columbus and Cleveland and the surrounding areas, Feazel offers residential home services including superior roofing, windows, siding, gutters, chimneys, masonry, skylights, insulation and more.  Please contact us to learn more about our services. 

Feazel’s mission is to be the top choice for residential home services in Ohio by delivering the best customer service and stress-free buying experience in the home improvement industry. Our core values of service, integrity, quality, continued improvement, employee appreciation, community support, and environmental conservation are on display with every job we do.