Gallery

Installing a New Roof in Wayne

When we started replacing this roof in Wayne, we noticed some normal wear, like loosening shingles. However, we also noticed some signs that the original roof was not properly installed.

The nails on the original shingles were placed too high up. That meant that the bottom of the shingle was not properly secured. Additionally, the ridge cap wasn’t sealed properly and the flashing around the chimney was not complete. All of these missteps were beginning to affect the roof’s ability to do its job of sealing out moisture. If properly installed, an asphalt shingle roof can last up to 20 years. However, if it wasn’t installed correctly, all bets are off.

Our Roof Installation Process

When we fixed the roof, we were sure to use the proper techniques. We begin by removing the original shingles and replacing the damaged wood underneath. Then, we install an underlayment an extra layer of protection below the shingles. When we install our shingles, we put 6 nails in each one to make sure they’re properly secured. When we added flashing around the chimney, we were sure to do a thorough job. Click here to learn more about our typical roof installation procedure.

Check out the photos below:

Siding Replacement in Essington

We really like the results of this siding replacement in Essington, PA. The white vinyl siding was starting to look tired and lose its effectiveness at sealing moisture out and heat/air conditioning in. The homeowner called on us to take off the old vinyl siding and replace it with James Hardie fiber cement siding.

The reddish-brown color is a great complement to the brick, and the white flashing around the windows and corners pops nicely. Check out the photos below to see the team in action:

Roof Replacement Job in Downingtown

Your roof needs regular maintenance to keep your home protected. We recently took care of replacing a roof for a homeowner in Downingtown, PA. The client also wanted to get some maintenance work done on their chimney, so we installed a vent. We also replaced their old damaged wood decking.

Roof Replacement in Downingtown

Check out the photos below to learn more about this project. Like always, we began by protecting the house with protective sheets and ended with cleaning up the property with a powerful magnet. If you look closely at the photos, you can spot the magnet—it resembles a broom.

Total Roof Replacement in Wallingford, PA

Keeping after your roof is one of your most important jobs as a homeowner. Recently, we did a total roof replacement on this home in Wallingford. While we were at it, this homeowner asked us to replace their old damaged wood decking and do some maintenance work on their chimney. We installed flashing and a base around their chimney and also installed a ridge cap to the very top of their roof.

Replacing a Roof in Wallingford, PA

At every job site, we’re always sure to hang up protective cloths and boards before we begin removing shingles. After we’re finished working, we use a powerful magnet to ensure that every last stray nail is picked up.

Browse the photos below to get a closer look at the job.

Replacing Siding in Malvern

James Hardie siding is a brand of fiber cement siding, a handsome and sturdy type of exterior cladding. Fiber cement siding outlasts most other types of cladding, sometimes by as much as decades.

James Hardie siding stands up well to common threats of damage, including fire, moisture, and wind. Its sand and cement content means that termites won’t destroy it, and it won’t rot no matter how wet it gets. In a place like Southeastern PA, where the weather is moist year-round, fiber cement siding is an ideal choice.

Installing Fiber Cement Siding in Malvern

The aging wood siding on this Malvern home was worse for wear, and the insulation underneath was at risk for growing mold. Firstly, we stripped away the damaged siding, before wrapping the house in Hardie Wrap, which is a protective layer that keeps moisture out while allowing it to escape from inside your home.

Then, it was time to install the new siding. The finished product is a sharp-looking home that is prepared to weather the elements.

Warning Signs You Need a New Roof

There’s a reason why “having a roof over your head” is synonymous with having your basic shelter needs taken care of. Every homeowner’s most important job is to ensure the health of his or her roof.

If you’re not sure whether yours needs to be replaced, use this checklist to survey your roof for our top 4 warning signs that you need to replace it.

4 Warning Signs You Need a New Roof

1. You Have Leaks: It’s important to be careful here because leaks aren’t always obvious. Check your attic for any streaks, stains, or beams of light. If you don’t have an attic, perform the same test in the highest point of your ceiling. Check over your flashing as well—those are the “seams” of your roof where it meets a weak area like a door or window. Most often, leaks occur in areas like that.
2. Your Roof is More than 20 Years Old: Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever, including roofs. Asphalt shingle roofs should be replaced every 20 years. If you have a flat roof, the lifespan shortens to roughly 15 years, if you have a metal roof, it can last up to 75. It’s a good idea to dig up your records or take a cue from your neighbors. It’s likely that the houses in your neighborhood were built around the same time, and thus will need repairs on a similar schedule.
3. There Was a Big Storm in Your Area Recently: Rain, snow, and hail are hard on your roof. It’s never a bad idea to give it some extra love after a big storm.
4. Your Shingles Look Damaged: Surveying your shingles is a good way to get a feel for the health of your roof. Keep a lookout for shingles that:
   • • Are missing granules: If you look at a shingle, you will notice that it has grit stuck all over it that resembles coarse sand. Be wary of unevenness or “bald spots” on your shingles.
     • Don’t lay flat: Buckled, curled, cupped, or cracked shingles indicated damage.
     • Have moss growing on them: Moss is an issue because it holds moisture next to your roof, which is damaging. Even if you scrape the moss off, it’s likely that it will grow back.

Remember, the earlier you fix your roof, the better. If any of these warning signs are present on your home, they could lead to costly damages if not addressed quickly. Make sure you choose a reputable roofing company so the job is done properly the first time.

To learn about the roofing process we use, check out our roofing process page.

Stucco Remediation in West Chester

Many homes built throughout the Philadelphia suburbs are made of stucco. Unfortunately, stucco is susceptible to water intrusion, which occurs when moisture gets trapped between the stucco and the insulation in your walls. Since moisture can cause mold to grow, your exterior’s main purpose is to prevent this very thing from happening.

Water intrusion is all too common with stucco homes, as well as with homes cladded with brick, stone, wood, and composite siding. The process of correcting this issue is called stucco remediation.

Replacing Stucco with James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding In West Chester, PA

A few weeks ago, we replaced this homeowner’s stucco cladding with James Hardie fiber cement siding. The stucco had fallen victim to water damage and needed to be replaced.

Some common signs that your stucco has failed are: rotting around fixtures in your exterior walls, stucco that is cracked or turning black, missing or aged caulk, or transitions between the stucco and other materials that are not properly sealed.

It’s important to be proactive about issues with your stucco. If you don’t address these problems in time, they may lead to severe, costly damage.

Replacing a Roof in Marcus Hook

Recently, a homeowner in Marcus Hook called on us to repair their roof. The siding had become detached from the roofing, and some of their shingles had blown off.

Like we do with every project, we started by hanging a system of plywood and tarps over the side of the house. This prevents any debris from damaging the property. After we removed the shingles, we exposed the layer of wood that sits underneath. From there we removed the trouble spots in the wood and replaced them. This is important because eventually, those little soft spots in the wood would have caused big problems.

Before installing the new shingles, we added a material called ACE WeatherShield. This creates a protective layer between the shingles and wood to keep moisture out. Finally, we installed the shingles before thoroughly cleaning up.

To learn more about the methods we use, visit our roofing process page.

Your roof is not a place to cut corners. When it’s time to install a new roof, you want to choose a contractor who does the job right.

Replacing Wood Siding for a Repeat Client

We were excited to return to a client’s home in Chester Springs for another project. Back in January, we replaced their roof. Then, a few months ago, they asked us to replace their siding. We think the results turned out very nicely–take a look!

Replacing Siding on a Home in Valley Forge

Porter Family Contracting recently completed this renovation of a home’s siding near Valley Forge Park. We started off by removing the existing cladding, before wrapping the house in a protective material.

Lastly, we installed new exterior cladding. Not only is this new cladding more attractive than the old siding, but it is more durable. It will last longer and provide energy-conserving benefits that the old siding did not.

While we were at it, we also installed new windows.