How Your Roof’s Condition Can Affect Your Home Insurance Rates

The most common aspects of a roof’s condition used to calculate insurance rates include the roof’s material, age, and overall condition.

The Roof’s Material

The type of material you use on your roof affects everything from the risk of damage during storms to the roof’s longevity overall. For example, asphalt shingles work for most homes but are more susceptible to damage, whereas slate tiles remain the most durable form of roofing.

The Age of Your Roof

Older roofs generally mean higher costs for home insurance policies. If you’re asking, “Does the age of your roof affect insurance rates?” check out the average lifespan of certain roof materials:

• 15 to 30 years for asphalt shingles
• 20 to 50 years for flat roofs
• 35 to 40 years for wood shake roofs
• 50 to 75 years for metal roofing
• 50 to 100 years for clay or slate tile roofing

Because asphalt shingles have a shorter lifespan, a home insurance company might charge more for a 20-year-old asphalt shingle roof than a 55-year-old clay tile roof. Reputable roofing companies can help you determine which type of roofing would work best for your property and your budget.

The Condition of Your Roof

Your roof’s age and materials both affect the condition of your roof. Insurance companies charge higher rates for roofs in poor condition because the risk of severe damage is higher. Maintaining a structurally sound roof for any type of roofing material requires regular inspections and maintenance, plus repairs performed shortly after discovering damage. Keep your home insurance rate low by ensuring that your roof remains in the best condition possible.

Maintain Your Roof With the Help of Majestic Gobal Exteriors LLC

Does the age of your roof affect insurance rates? Yes, but you should also consider that insurance carriers look at the material and the condition of the roof as well. Whether you’re curious about home insurance rates or wonder, “Is a new roof tax deductible?” call the roofing experts at Majestic Gobal Exteriors LLC in Colts Neck, NJ, at (848) 863-6775.

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The answer is: maybe. Depending on your situation and what kind of roof you’re replacing, you may be able to deduct the cost from your taxes.

Our team at Majestic Exteriors, Colts Neck’s roofing experts, has everything you need to know about roofing tax deductions.

When Can I Deduct a New Roof?

The only situation where you can deduct the cost of a new roof no-questions-asked is when you’re replacing a commercial or rental property roof.

Luckily, homeowners can use a few other avenues to deduct roofing costs from their annual tax returns. Let’s take a look at each of these scenarios.

Casualties

Casualties are unforeseen events that damage your home. Some examples of casualties include storm damage, fire damage, and some types of impact damage.

If your roof sustains casualties, you may qualify for tax deductions. You may also qualify for federal home repair grants that reduce the cost of replacing a damaged roof. Keep in mind that if your insurance company reimburses you for repairs, you are not eligible for deductions related to those repairs.

Home-Improvement Tax Credits

The IRS generally reserves home-improvement tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements. Currently, you can claim up to 26% of these costs through the Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit. Some scenarios where energy-efficient home improvement tax credits become available for your primary residence include:

• If you use ENERGY-STAR-approved materials
• If you install a reflective roof
• If you add solar panels to your roof

Depreciation

Is a new roof tax deductible for a rental property?

If you use your house as a rental property, you can write off the cost of your roof as depreciation over the course of two to three years. There are situations where the IRS permits longer depreciation windows, but the two-year to the three-year window is standard.

In fact, this rule extends to any capital improvement you make to your home. When a home with capital improvements changes hands, the owner can deduct capital improvements from the taxable sale price. So, from a long-term perspective, you get tax benefits from replacing your roof, but you still have to pay upfront.

Professional Roofing Services

If you are still wondering, “Is a new roof tax deductible?”  call us at (848) 863-6775. At Majestic Exteriors, we know the ins and outs of all different types of roofs, and we can help you understand how to reduce your roofing costs.

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Siding Life Expectancy Factors

Four major factors determine your siding’s life expectancy:

1. Siding materials
2. Installation quality
3. Local Weather
4. Maintenance

Below, we break down each factor and highlight the most important information.

Siding Materials

Answering the question, “How long does siding last?” starts with siding materials. There are three main types of siding, each with different strengths, life expectancies, and price points:

• Wood siding: A popular choice for its aesthetic and longevity, wood siding can last for decades. However, it requires regular maintenance and refinishing every five years.
• Aluminum siding: Aluminum siding is tough and relatively inexpensive. However, because its enamel is fragile, it requires frequent repainting, which can be frustrating because matching new paint to faded aluminum siding can be difficult.
• Vinyl siding: Vinyl siding is the best bang for the buck as far as siding options go. It can withstand extreme temperatures, holds its color for years without maintenance, and is one of the least expensive siding options. Vinyl siding can increase energy efficiency by creating a better seal around a home.

Quality of Installation

No matter the type of siding, installation quality determines its life expectancy at a foundational level. Shoddy installation can take years off the life of even the most capable siding materials. Hire well-vetted roofing professionals to avoid this risk.

Local Weather

Weather conditions significantly influence siding’s life expectancy. In areas that frequently experience extreme temperatures or severe weather activity, siding will not last as long. This is especially true of wood siding. Since it is an organic material, wind, rain, and temperature fluctuations make it prone to warping over time.

Maintenance

A good maintenance routine can extend siding’s useful life. Regular cleaning with a hose or power washer is good for all types of siding, and reapplying weather-resistant paint every couple of years helps siding last longer. This is where vinyl siding really shines. One of the biggest benefits of vinyl siding is that it requires little to no maintenance.

Get Professional Siding Help

Now that you know the answer to the question, “How long does siding last?” you have the tools to decide what your siding needs are. If you need siding service, call us at Majestic Gobal Exteriorsat (848) 863-6775 for a free quote today.

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With more than 21 years of installing high-quality windows and doors in Colts Neck, NJ, under our belt, our Majestic Gobal Exteriorsteam has the know-how to show you how it works.

Installing Windows in a Brick Facade

Adding windows to a brick house is one of the most difficult home improvement projects because improperly creating a new opening jeopardizes structural integrity.

To avoid this, contractors create temporary supports for the area around the new opening they intend to cut. Once they do this, they can install a concrete or steel lintel to restore structural integrity.

After this, contractors prepare the new opening with weather-proofing for energy efficiency and durability and drill holes where they will secure the window with holdfasts. It is crucial to get this step right because brick walls are weather-sensitive. Poor weatherproofing allows extra moisture and temperature swings to affect the bricks, which leads to faster deterioration in the wall.

Proper weatherproofing involves putting a protective barrier on the new window’s sheathing, installing a sill pan, and adding a storm flap at the base of the window.

Once the opening is prepped, the window is ready for installation.

The window goes into the opening, contractors foam it in place, apply aluminum flashing to protect the frame and window, then install the casing. After that, the installation is mostly complete. The last step is to seal all seams carefully with caulk and secure the storm flap to the sill.

Next Steps

Now that you know how adding windows to a brick house works, you can decide whether it’s right for you. You also need to decide whether you want single- or double-hung windows.

The difference between single- and double-hung windows is in the degree of energy efficiency they offer. If you want to save on energy costs, double-hung windows are the better option because they allow hot air to flow out and cool air to flow into your home.

Call the Home Exterior Experts

If you have more questions or are considering adding windows to a brick house, call our Majestic Gobal Exteriorsteam at (848) 863-6775 for a free quote today.

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There are many moving parts to consider, but fortunately, you’ve got experts in your corner. At Majestic Exteriors, we’ve provided high-quality masonry services in Colts Neck, NJ, for more than 20 years, and we have the answers to all your masonry questions.

Pros and Cons of Cast Stone vs. Natural Stone

Let’s begin by breaking down the pros and cons of cast stone vs. natural stone.

Cast Stone

Cast stone is a man-made stone material comprised of precast concrete blends. One of the major benefits of cast stone is its adaptability.

Since cast stone is prefabricated, it has numerous shapes, sizes, and colors available. Cast stone is also significantly more cost-effective than natural stone.

The downside of cast stone is that while it is very durable, it cannot match natural stone’s longevity. Cast stone is more sensitive to cold weather than natural stone and breaks down faster in cold climates.

Natural Stone

Natural stone is a beautiful, durable substance that requires minimal maintenance and can withstand natural elements for decades. However, the downside is that natural stone is cumbersome, expensive to alter, and significantly more expensive than cast stone.

Natural stone is a lifetime investment, and many people insist on natural stone because of its beautiful, natural surface variances. However, cast stone technology is advancing quickly and, in many cases, looks just as good as natural stone without the hefty price tag to match.

Which Type of Stone Is Best for You?

If you set your heart on custom architectural elements, cast stone is the best option for keeping costs manageable. If money is not an issue, you can hire sculptors to carve designs in natural stone installations. If you live in a cold climate, natural stone is best because it can withstand freezing climates for a long time.

Get Expert Advice from Masonry Professionals

So, cast stone vs. natural stone, which is better for you? Only you know.

Whatever you decide, our Majestic Gobal Exteriorsteam has the expertise in a wide range of different types of stone masonry you need to make your dream outdoor space a reality. Call us at (848) 863-6775 for a free quote and expert consultation.

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Here at Majestic Gobal Exteriors LLC, Colts Neck’s roofing company of choice, we work with five main types of roofs that all homeowners should consider.

Why Worry About The Type of Roof?

Roofing plays a huge role in any home design, keeping the property safe from the elements and adding great aesthetic value. However, a roof that’s easy on the eye but useless against high winds isn’t useful to anybody. When looking at the options, it’s helpful to understand the roof pitch or how it slopes.

Basic Roof Types

Gable Roof

The first shape that comes to mind is likely a gable roof. It is triangular, with a base that rests atop the home and two sides meeting at the ridge. The slope may vary from sharp to gentle.

Clipped Gable Roof

Beautiful clipped gable roofs are similar to standard gable roofs. They are triangular but feature two recessed peaks bent inwards to emphasize dazzling roof tiles.

Hip Roof

The hip roof is simple, combining four same-sized slopes that converge to a high point. Hip roofs make almost the whole slope roof visible to ground observers. So, this option is perfect for homeowners with a desire to show off ornate roofing tiles, like concrete tiles.

More Intricate Roof Types

Dutch Gable Roof

The Dutch gable style combines gable and hip roof styles. It features a “gablet,” or mini Gable roof, perched atop a hip roof. This eclectic style increases storage space and can provide more natural light to the home’s interior with added window placement.

Both the Dutch Gable roof and hip roof styles frequently form the foundation for other types of roofs.

Gambrel Roof

Finally, a Gambrel roof combines sharp and subtle slopes for a classic look on barns. However, many homeowners love the style for the added space. For example, it easily allows for an attic or loft room.

Gambrel roofs also offer the most space for extra windows, giving you all the natural light you want.

Contact Your Local Roof Experts Today!

Do you have questions to ask a roofer but don’t know where to start? Majestic Gobal Exteriors LLC has many years of experience in different types of roofs for homeowners in New Jersey—call us at (848) 863-6775 today to learn more!

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Consulting with Majestic Gobal Exteriors LLC, Colts Neck’s masonry contractor, gives you a full picture of brick vs. stone masonry to determine which material is the best choice for your project.

Brick Masonry Benefits

In the brick vs. stone debate, brick brings a number of advantages. There are different types to choose from, such as cement, clay, and fly ash brick. Any type of brick will offer a uniform size and shape, making them easier to stack against the bonding agent.

The simplicity of brick masonry placement makes it a job that doesn’t require highly skilled labor. Bricks are an ideal, lightweight material for creating openings for doors or windows as well. They are fire-resistant to withstand combustion, per New Jersey’s masonry building code.

Another key advantage is that a brick veneer gives you the look of brick for less money than stone masonry.

Brick Masonry Challenges

Brick is overall weaker than stone, less weather resistant and more sucesptible to crushing or seismic damage.

Stone Masonry Benefits

Stone is a highly durable material that can withstand strong winds and extreme weather better than brick. This makes it an ideal choice for construction on weather-exposed features.

You can enjoy a custom look for your project thanks to the variety of stone shapes, colors, and textures available. The sophisticated aesthetic of stone masonry lasts for decades without the additional polishing work that brick projects require.

Stone Masonry Challenges

Stone masonry projects feature natural materials, so they can be more expensive than using man-made bricks. Maneuvering stones can be difficult, given how much heavier they are than bricks. Natural stones come in different shapes and don’t offer uniformity.

Stone masonry requires a certain level of skill when applying the dressing and binding. Unqualified contractors risk making mistakes that could extend the total project timeline and wind up costing more money in the long run.

Consult Colts Neck’s Masonry Experts: Majestic Exteriors

Still unsure if you should go with brick vs. stone on your project? Contact Majestic Gobal Exteriors LLC to learn about different types of stone masonry and speak with a specialist. Call (848) 863-6775 to get a free quote for your masonry needs.

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Majestic Gobal Exteriors LLC has premier siding experts in Colts Neck, NJ. Below, they provide some helpful tips so that you can make the right decision about your roof and siding installation.

Windows Before Siding

What’s the first expert tip? It’s almost always better to install your windows before your siding. It prevents you from having to redo your siding work after replacing your windows.

New, energy-efficient windows require exterior installation, so it’s best to install them first. You may also want to add a moisture barrier or window capping, a task for experienced professionals. A team like Majestic Gobal Exteriors LLC can also determine whether your windows need updating or replacing in the first place.

Installing Windows and Siding At The Same Time

If your budget allows for it, consider doing both jobs simultaneously to prevent extra damage. Even if the upfront cost seems higher than you’d like, installing energy-efficient windows with high-grade siding and capping will net you great savings over time.

Reputable contractors will also take into account the condition of the current siding and windows before making recommendations. They’ll identify which part is the oldest and most damaged and might try to fix things first to prevent further property damage.

More Tips for Successful Window and Siding Installation

Consider the state of your home. Are there any serious repair or maintenance issues that deserve immediate attention? If windows or siding come to mind, it is better to fix these areas before moving on to other projects.

However, if there are no serious issues, consider saving money to do both your windows and siding at the same time. Why not ask your loved ones for contractor referrals so that you have a reliable local service provider on hand? It’s also best to look into tax credits for energy-efficient windows and greater savings long term.

Call Us for Expert New Jersey Home Improvement Services!

Majestic Gobal Exteriors LLC can help homeowners ease their home improvement worries in Colts Neck, NJ. We understand that new windows and new siding increase home value, and we want you to be as happy as possible with our services.

Should windows be installed before siding? Find out more at (848) 863-6775 today!

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Majestic Gobal Exteriors LLC, New Jersey’s premier window and doors installation contractors, share what homeowners need to know about these window types so that they can make an informed decision.,

Single Hung Windows Are Affordable

Single-hung windows feature two components: a lower, movable sash and an upper, fixed sash.

Essentially, the top piece of the window stays in place while the lower piece moves as needed. These windows are common due to their affordable price point. However, single-hung windows offer limited efficiency, as they only allow airflow through the bottom sash.

Double Hung Windows Are Convenient

Double-hung windows feature two moving sashes. Both the top and lower portions of the window can move up and down within the window frame.

Although these windows cost more than single-hung windows, they do a much better job of optimizing energy savings. Hot air rises, so it can escape more freely out of the top sash while cool air flow from the outside comes in through the lower sash. An increase in efficiency will also lower your energy bill over time.

Choosing Between Single and Double Hung Windows

Deciding which window style works best for your needs shouldn’t be much of a challenge if you understand your priorities.

For example, if cost is a factor, single-hung windows tend to be cheaper than double-hung windows. They require fewer moving parts and are simpler to make. However, double-hung windows can help you save money in the long run, thanks to their increased energy efficiency.

When it comes to window cleaning, both styles have their strengths and weaknesses. Cleaning the top sash of a single-hung window is only possible from the outside, whereas you can clean both sashes of a double-hung window from inside your home.

Professional Window Servicing in New Jersey

What is the difference between single and double-hung windows besides the cost? Find out from Majestic Gobal Exteriors LLC, the team that provides top-of-the-line window repair and replacement services in Colts Neck, New Jersey. Give us a call at (848) 863-6775 today for more about popular window styles and anything else you need to know about home improvement options.

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The Features of a Drip Edge

The roof drip edge is a type of flashing. It is typically made of aluminum and protects the edge of the roof by keeping water and other intrusive threats from slipping between the roof shingles and underlying layers of the roof at the roof edge.

The drip edge is similar to other forms of metal flashing that protect the roof around chimneys, vents, and skylights. There are different types and styles of drip edges available, such as types L, C, and T.

Function of a Drip Edge

What is the drip edge on a roof, and what does it do? The drip edge forms a corrosion-resistant barrier that guides water down into the gutters without seeping between the roof layers. Additionally, the drip edge protects the fascia board, which is a piece of wood that support the gutters and caps the edge of the roof rafters. Without a drip edge, your roof could be susceptible to water damage.

An alternative roofing component that serves the same purpose is a gutter apron. Gutter aprons have a different shape and the installation process is different.

Finding and Installing a High-Quality Drip Edge

Experienced home improvement aficionados can install drip edges as DIY projects, but professional installation relieves homeowners of the hassle of finding supplies and climbing up on the roof. If you make mistakes with the installation, you might suffer a fall, expose yourself to the risk of roof leaks, endanger your gutters, void warranties, and jeopardize your insurance claim.

Drip Edge Installation and Repair From Majestic Exteriors

Majestic Gobal Exteriorsbrings over two decades of experience and a history of customer satisfaction to our business. Now that you have answers to the question “What is a drip edge on a roof?” we look forward to hearing from you with any follow-up questions and giving you a free estimate for your next roofing project.

If you have other questions to ask a roofer about protecting your shingles and the edges of the roof, call (848) 863-6775.

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