The importance of Installing Gutters in your home

Gutters and downspouts perform two main functions. First, they help capture and direct the roof run-off water away from the house. Second, they help protect the exterior surface and perimeter grading of the home from water damage that can result from the roof run-off water running down the side of the house or eroding the soil around the home. 

At SMART CHOICE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY located in Atlanta, we give you some information about the importance of Gutters in your home:

Not all homes need gutters and downspouts, depending on the design of the house and local weather conditions. But if the home experiences problems resulting from surface water, gutters and downspouts should definitely be a first line of defense.

1. Gutters:

Gutters come in different shapes and sizes and should be selected based on particular conditions of the home, including aesthetics, slope and size of the roof, and local weather conditions. The standard gutter is made of aluminum or galvanized steel and is attached to the fascia board at the eaves (roof line of the home). Other types include plastic and copper gutters, wooden gutters on older homes, and integral or built-in gutters on some newer homes. 

2. Downspouts:

Downspouts or leaders, are used to direct the water leaving the gutters down to the ground or drainage system in a controlled fashion. Downspouts are secured to the side of the house and are often constructed of the same material as the gutter. Where the downspout discharges the water is important when controlling surface water around the home. Extensions, additional piping that extends laterally from the bottom of the downspout, are used to direct the roof run-off away from the foundation. Splash guards, or blocks, are used to prevent soil erosion if the downspout discharges onto the ground.

At SMART CHOICE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, we are Siding, Roofing and Flooring specialists and we can help you to renovate your home. 

Our qualified team have years of experience in all aspects of Siding, Roofing and Flooring in Atlanta and surround areas, contact us for a free quote and to see how we can help you!

For more information on our services in Atlanta, give us a call today for all inquiries (678) 628-9987 and visit us at www.atlchoice.com for a free estimate.

Should you Repair or Replace your Roof?

Deciding whether to repair or replace roofing is a difficult task and is largely an exercise in timing, because you don’t want to reroof too soon and waste money, but you don’t want to wait too long either.

Which route you take depends on several factors, including the type of damage and what percentage of the total roof surface is in need of repair. You also need to know how to assess the overall condition of your roof and identify early signs of roof failure.

At SMART CHOICE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, located in Atlanta,  we give you some tips to consider before Replacing or Repairing your Roof:

1. Early Signs of a Roof Leak:

If you check the condition of your roof at least once a year, you should be able to plan in advance for necessary repairs. 

Early signs of trouble include dark areas on ceilings, peeling paint on the underside of roof overhangs, damp spots alongside fireplaces, and water stains on pipes venting the water heater or furnace.

From the outside, you can verify your roof’s health by viewing it through binoculars. Warning signs include cracked caulk or rust spots on flashing; shingles that are buckling, curling, or blistering; and worn areas around chimneys, pipes, and skylights. Black algae stains are just cosmetic, but masses of moss and lichen could signal roofing that’s decayed underneath.

2. When to Repair your Roof:

You can usually repair a leak in a roof that is otherwise sound. If something sudden and unforeseen, such as a wind storm, causes a leak to appear, your homeowner’s insurance will probably cover the repairs. But you’re still responsible for limiting the damage. Insurance may not cover problems that stem from a worn-out roof or lack of maintenance.

3. Get the Most From a New Roof:

A new roof is not something that most families have in their monthly budget. But getting multiple benefits from this purchase makes it easier to shell out the money. As part of a new roofing project, you can incorporate many features that make your home more environmentally friendly, some of which may qualify for a federal tax credit to offset the cost. You can also choose roofing that’s more resistant to fire or damage from wind and hail, which may qualify you for a discount of 30% or more on your homeowner’s insurance policy.

4. The Roofing contractor:

Once you settle on a contractor, check to make sure the company is licensed and insured. Also discuss how the professional roofers team will minimize damage to landscaping, and who will pay for any that occurs. Schedule the roof work during dry weather.

At SMART CHOICE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, we are Siding, Roofing and Flooring specialists and we can help you to renovate your home. 

Our qualified team have years of experience in all aspects of Siding, Roofing and Flooring in Atlanta and surround areas, contact us for a free quote and to see how we can help you!

For more information on our services in Atlanta, give us a call today for all inquiries (678) 628-9987 and visit us at www.atlchoice.com for a free estimate.

5 Things that damage your Hardwood Floor

Today, the varieties of wood floors which have long been in use still enjoy justifiable popularity for homes. This includes traditional solid hardwood wood floors made from oak, cherry, maple, ash and walnut among other species. But technology, innovation and imagination have expanded the choices in wood flooring to an even greater degree.

At SMART CHOICE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY located in Atlanta, we give you five mistakes that you should avoid in order to preserve the life of your wooden floor:

1. Letting them sunbathe:

Sun exposure can change the color of wood flooring. Keep the blinds or shades drawn when the sun is at its strongest to limit discoloring and drying out the wood's finish.

2. Using of Steam Cleaners:

Use caution when using steam cleaners. If your floor has a wax finish or if its finish is old and worn, skip the steam. For other finishes, make sure the floor is intact before breaking out the steamer. Use the lightest level of steam your appliance offers and keep it moving across the floor, not stationary in any one spot too long.

3. Vacuuming with a rotating brush:

Your vac's rotating brush can be very abrasive to wood floors. Turn off the brush roll or use a floor brush attachment instead. But make sure you vacuum often, gritty dirt and dust particles can scratch your floor when they sit for too long.

4. Drenching the floor with cleaner:

Today's wood flooring finishes are much more resistant to water than ones in the past, but that doesn't mean you should flood your floors with cleaning solution. When it's time to wet-clean, tackle small areas at a time with a damp, not wet, mop or cloth and dry them promptly.

5. Wet cleaning too often:

Unless your wood floors get tons of foot traffic, you don't need to wet-clean them more than every one to two months. Instead, keep your wood floors well vacuumed and spot-clean as needed.

At SMART CHOICE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, we are Siding, Roofing and Flooring specialists and we can help you to renovate your home. 

Our qualified team have years of experience in all aspects of Siding, Roofing and Flooring in Atlanta and surround areas, contact us for a free quote and to see how we can help you!

For more information on our services in Atlanta, give us a call today for all inquiries (678) 628-9987 and visit us at www.atlchoice.com for a free estimate.