Proper Summer Gutter Maintenance

Most homeowners may think that gutters won’t need much maintenance in hotter months of the year, but summer is a great time of year to take a look at your gutters to make sure everything is working well. If there’s an issue with your gutters, it would be a good idea to address them before the autumn arrives.

If you check that the gutters are clogged or have other issues, they could cause a number of problems for your home, including leaks, siding damage, insulation damage, and more.

At SMART CHOICE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY located in Atlanta, we give you six tips to do a proper maintenance of your gutters in the summer:

1. Remove Debris:

The first thing you need to do when you’re checking your gutters is to make them visible, and this means that you need to remove debris from the area. Using gloves, scoop out debris such as sticks, needles, and leaves from your gutters. Make sure that the gutters are clear of any remnants of last fall.

2. Remove Nests:

Sometimes animals like the high perch afforded by a gutter. Usually by the summer months, nesting birds will have fledged, and you can check the old nest for signs of life and remove it from the gutter if it’s empty. Look for wasp nests as well, and if they’re inhabited, remove them by calling a pest control company.

3. Clean Off the Gutters:

Now that you’ve removed all of the debris from the gutters, you can almost see them clearly again. It’s time to use a scrub brush and a gentle abrasive or soap to clean out your gutters. Test your brush and your cleaning product on a test patch of the gutter before you commit. As you scrub off the mold, moss, and algae from the gutters, look for areas that seem particularly bad and go back to them when you’re looking at roofing drainage. Areas with a lot of mold, algae or moss could signal a drainage problem.

4. Look for Damage:

After you’ve finished cleaning your gutters, you may see areas that are rusted, holes that need to be filled, or places where the gutter is askew. Move sagging areas upward with pliers. Make a note of rusty areas or holes and ensure that you replace extremely rusty areas and fix gaps or leaks.

5. Repair Leaks:

After your gutters are clean, it’s time to check for leaks. Take a look inside and outside the gutters to find areas of buckling or places where there are visible holes. You can also run a bit of water through the gutters to find smaller leaks. If you find a leak, you can either call in a gutter professional or fix it yourself with a patch of metal flashing adhered with roofing cement or by applying gutter or silicone caulking around a clean, dry piece of gutter.

6. Check your Roof:

While you’re up on the ladder cleaning your gutters, it’s a good idea to check out your roof. From loose shingles that cause leaks to ponding water caused by clogged or inadequate gutters, your gutter system and your roofing work together. Make sure that you fix any areas of poor repair, and watch for gutter problems that could be causing issues on your roof.

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.

6 Summer Roofing tips

Summer has its own challenges to get through, including scorching temperatures, intense sunlight, and whipping winds that can wear even the most well-built and durable roofs. This means you should take the extra precautions to help protect your roof from these elements, particularly if it’s getting older.

At SMART CHOICE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, located in Atlanta, we give you six tips that can help you keep cool your roof during this Summer:

1. Your attic is a focal point for keeping your house cool during the Summer months. It’s important to inspect things like moisture in the plywood in your attic, as moisture can lead to mold. 

2. Check to make sure those exhaust fans are working well and are vented properly.

3. Make sure those drains and gutters on the roof are clean and clear of debris. This will help prevent an overflow and damage during a storm.

4. Make sure you check the attic and the roof for small signs of damage, and note them. These small spots can turn into large repairs if not attended to and monitored. 

5. Make sure there are no missing, damaged, or loose tiles or shingles.

6. Check your attic for any signs of pests. This can turn into a major problem quickly. 

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.

How to keep your Hardwood Floor clean and safe during the Summer

Hardwood flooring is one of the most popular and practical forms of house improvements today. Hardwood floor adds luxury, style and great aesthetic appeal, also provides an air of class and elegance to your home. However, proper care and maintenance are needed especially during summer months for preserving the beauty of your wooden floors and to ensure it lasts longer.

The key problem is that moisture and humidity, which tend to increase during the summer months, are natural enemies of hardwood flooring. In some cases, the added moisture may cause small gaps to develop between boards or along walls. Even the most carefully installed wood floors tend to expand and sometimes cup or even buckle due to high moisture content and high relative humidity in the air.

At SMART CHOICE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY located in Atlanta, we give you some tips to maintain Hardwood Flooring clean, safe and dry during the Summer:

1. Avoid using a dust mop to clean the floor, as a dust mop can push debris and soil between the boards. A backpack vacuum should be used instead.

2. The worst enemies of your hardwood floor are grit, sand and dirt. These three act like sandpaper grinding, scraping and dulling the shiny surface until it becomes ugly. Use small mats near outside doors to prevent the dirt getting further into your house.

3. Clean the floors using a recommended wood cleaning product and never use a damp mop on a wood floor.

4. Use a vacuum with a bare floor attachment, not a vacuum beater bar which can damage the wood.

5. Attach glue felt pads to the legs of furniture and chairs to avoid scraping the floor when objects are moved. Periodically examine the pads for wear and replace when needed. Avoid rolling chairs with casters on the finished surface as they may scratch the finish.

6. Buff the floors regularly; buffing can add a shine and the weight of the machine may actually help keep the floor flat and even.

7. Use sheers or blinds to protect your floors from the discoloration caused by direct sun rays which helps in reducing oxidation and aging of wood.

8. Never use wax, detergents or any other oil-based soap on the floor. These may damage the finish of the floor making it slippery and difficult to maintain later on.

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.

The proper type of Siding for your Home

The exterior of your home faces a constant barrage of threats from the hot sun, strong winds, precipitation and the winter cold. As such, your house siding must be strong and durable. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful even decades into its life. 

If you are thinking of new siding, you need to keep in mind that your choice will likely be a major upgrade in your home's appearance but it's not an easy decision to make. There are lots of siding options, and each presents a mixed bag of cost, reliability, ongoing maintenance and environmental responsibility.

At SMART CHOICE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY located in Atlanta, we give you some information that you need to know about options for new siding:

1. Vinyl:

Vinyl siding is tough and comes in a boatload of colors and textures. Because the color is throughout the material, nicks and scratches don't show up. Sophisticated manufacturing techniques create products that do a surprisingly fine job of mimicking wood grain lap siding, wood shingles and even stone. Vinyl siding is lightweight and, in many instances, can be installed directly over existing materials.

2. Fiber Cement:

Fiber cement has earned a reputation for stability and low maintenance. It's made from a mix of wood pulp, cement, clay and sand, and it can be molded to mimic wood clapboard, shingles, stucco and masonry. It readily accepts paint, and most manufacturers offer an array of factory-applied finishes.

3. Stucco:

Stucco is an extremely durable siding material that pairs well with other siding materials and adds a bit of architectural panache to a retrofit job. Today's stucco mixtures include epoxy, which prevents chipping and cracking, but installation isn't a DIY job, you'll need to look for an experienced stucco installer. Well-maintained stucco will last a lifetime.

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.

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.