From painting the front door to adding a new bathroom, there are hundreds of home improvements to increase the overall appeal and comfort of your home. However, not all improvements are created equal. Some will boost a home’s value and give you a large return on investment (ROI), while others could actually put a dent in value. Here are a few of the best mid-range home improvements for 2010-11, as reported by Remodeling Magazine:

• Entry door replacement. Who knew replacing your old front door with a steel entry door could actually make money at resale? Entry door replacement is a simple way to improve curb appeal with a relatively small cost out-of-pocket. ROI: 102%

• Window replacement. Window replacement is another smart upgrade that immediately increases curb appeal and makes a home appear more valuable, all while improving energy efficiency – another big selling point. ROI: 72%

• Siding replacement (vinyl). Despite all the NJ siding products out there, the clean, crisp look of vinyl siding remains one of the best choices for home improvement. ROI: 72%

• Kitchen remodeling. We all know that the kitchen is the heart of a home, and investing in it is always money well spent. Installing new flooring, refacing old cabinets, updating appliances and choosing pleasing paint colors can all add up to a generous rate of return. ROI: 68-72%

Considering a new project to add to the value of your home? Majestic Exteriors can make both the inside AND outside of your home beautiful, for a reasonable cost! Call us at (855) 766-3479 for a no-obligation consultation today.

Majestic Exteriors is pleased to announce a new rebate incentive from GAF, North America’s largest roofing manufacturer. Throughout 2012, the U.S.-based corporation will be offering its “Roofs for Troops” program to honor members of the United States military, both past and present.

From January 1st through December 31st, active military, veterans and retirees who use a GAF Factory-Certified Contractor will receive a $300 rebate with the purchase of a new GAF Lifetime Roofing System and at least three qualifying GAF accessories. Homeowners must submit a rebate form and proof of purchase by January 31, 2013 to register for the rebate. More details can be found by visiting www.military.com/discounts or www.gaf.com/military.  

“GAF is honored to be able to give back to the brave men and women who have risked their lives to keep our country safe,” stated Paul Bromfield, senior vice president of marketing at GAF. 

Majestic Exteriors is proud to be a GAF MasterElite certified contractor for roofing in NJ, making our military customers eligible for this special GAF incentive. Please call us at (855) ROOF-479 for more information, or to schedule a FREE in-home estimate on the GAF Lifetime Roofing System!

Have you recently purchased new windows and doors to perk up your New Jersey home, or are you considering replacement in the near future? In addition to a full range of roofing, siding, guttering and renovation services, Majestic Exteriors also offers professional window and door installation. When you purchase windows or doors from a third party, our contractors can install them quickly, skillfully and at a reasonable price.

Hanging a door or installing a window is a complex task; this is especially true for customers wanting the most energy-efficient windows and doors. For energy-saving technology to function the way it was intended, each component must be properly installed. Any gaps or cracks will allow cold air and moisture into your home. When installed correctly, efficient windows and doors prevent your home from losing energy and help your wallet too.

Correct installation of residential exterior doors and windows primarily affects energy consumption, yet proper installation is important for aesthetics too. Windows and doors just look better when done neatly and cleanly by a professional. Professional installation also assures you of smooth operation.

The expert installers at Majestic Exteriors focus on making sure that your new windows and doors improve the looks and enhance the value of your home. For an estimate, call our roofers in NJ today at (855) 766-3479.

Majestic Exteriors is excited to share the news that GAF, one of our preferred manufacturer partners, has added to its Timberline® Lifetime shingle line for 2012. The Timberline American Harvest™ shingle collection features new colors inspired by the American Heartland. Custom colors include Golden Harvest, Nantucket Morning, Appalachian Sky, Brandywine Dusk, Saddlewood Ranch, Adobe Sunset, and Cedar Falls, giving you even more options when choosing roofing in NJ.

According to GAF, “Your roof can represent 40% or more of your home’s ‘curb appeal.’ Now, you can improve its looks and even its resale value with Timberline American Harvest Shingles from GAF. Designed to complement your home’s exterior color scheme, the American Harvest Collection will give you that modern architectural style you want, at a price you can afford!”

Some features of the American Harvest Collection:
• Custom-designed color palette. Subtle blends with contrasting colors that will increase your roof’s dimensionality.
• Peace of mind. Lifetime limited transferable warranty with Smart Choice® Protection (non-prorated material and installation labor coverage) for the first 10 years.
• Great value. Architecturally stylish, but practically priced.
• Safer. Class A fire rating from Underwriters Laboratories, the highest rating possible.
• High performance. Designed with Advanced Protection® Technology, which minimizes the use of natural resources while providing superior protection for your home.
• Stays in place. Dura Grip™ adhesive seals each shingle tightly and reduces the risk of shingle blow-off. Shingles warranted to withstand winds up to 130 mph.

Majestic Exteriors, a GAF factory-certified contractor for roofing in NJ, can provide more information about this latest addition to the GAF line, and help you choose the best color to complement your home. Call us today at 855-ROOF-479 for a FREE in-home estimate!

If you’re a New Jersey homeowner thinking about roof replacement with asphalt shingles, the wind rating of the product you buy should be an important consideration. According to the National Association of Home Builders, “between 1991 and 1995, wind and hail resulted in an average of $8 billion in insurance payouts each year.” In New Jersey, where storms and high winds can damage many roofs, these shingles offer additional peace of mind when the weather gets rough.

Several manufacturers produce asphalt shingles specially designed to resist the effects of severe weather, including wind, hail and impact from flying debris. Different methods are used to keep granules attached to the shingle, to prevent shingle breaking during impact, and to keep shingles attached to sheathing during high winds. Their sturdy construction lets them last for years without having to be replaced.

Here are some additional facts about wind-resistant shingles:

1. Hurricane and wind-resistant New Jersey shingles cost about 50% more than conventional architectural shingles. However, insurance companies often offer a discount on homeowner’s insurance for these shingles.
2. During installation, a six-nail pattern is usually required rather than the conventional three-nail pattern, which may result in a slight increase in labor cost.
3. Most shingles include a 30- to 50-year limited product warranty. Limited warranties typically cover winds of up to 130mph.
 
With their ability to withstand impact and high wind, wind-resistant shingles eliminate numerous hazards. Call Majestic Exteriors at (855) 766-3479 to find out which shingle manufacturers offer the highest wind ratings to protect your home, family and belongings.

During the winter, we often get calls from worried homeowners who wonder if their roof can be repaired or replaced when the weather is cold. The answer: yes! Most good NJ roofing contractors can continue performing roof work throughout the winter by taking some extra precautions with materials and paying close attention to the weather. In fact, there are even some advantages to roofing during the winter. You’ll get the best roof prices as the number of jobs decreases and contractors start competing for your business to keep their crews busy. And for most hard-working roofers, cooler temperatures are a welcome change from sizzling summer heat!

Asphalt shingles can be installed in the winter, but care must be taken not to bend and crack the shingle when temperatures fall below 20°F. Also, asphalt shingle roofs rely on the proper bond between overlapping shingles, which requires warm solar heat to melt the seal strip. When temperatures are very cold, hand-tabbing (the application of quarter-size dabs of adhesive to the underside of shingles) will prevent shingles from blowing off the roof until warmer weather arrives and the sealing strips can set properly.

If you would like to replace or repair your roof during the winter, don’t let concerns about the weather stop you! A lot of work can be done in the cold and wind, and the Majestic Exteriors team knows how to protect our work and your home from snow and rain – without sacrificing quality. Call us today at (855) ROOF-479 for your FREE estimate.

During the winter, most people enjoy the sight of sparkling icicles and ice formations hanging along the eaves of a roof. But did you know these formations often signal a serious roof problem that causes millions of dollars in damage each year? That problem is ice damming. Let’s take a look at what ice dams are, why they form and how you can keep them from harming your roof.

An ice dam forms when melted snow runs down the roofline and freezes along the edges. Additional snowmelt pools behind the dam, and is forced back up and under roof shingles. This trapped water can then leak into a home through the attic, eventually causing damage to walls, ceilings and insulation.

The reason ice dams form lies in varying roof temperature. A poorly insulated attic will be heated by warm air escaping from the home’s interior, causing the upper roof deck to be above freezing. At the same time, the lower roof surface temperature (along the eaves) stays below freezing. When snow falls and during long periods of cold weather, the snow melts on the upper surface then refreezes, causing an ice dam. More snow means larger ice dams.

The damage caused by ice dams can be prevented in two ways:
1. Remove snow buildup. No snow or ice means no leaking water. However, snow removal can be dangerous when not done by a professional, and can also damage entire roof surfaces.
2. Maintain the roof surface at an even temperature. Let cold outdoor air work for you! Save money on lost heat by keeping warm air inside with plenty of ceiling insulation. An effective roof ventilation system is also important because it surrounds the roof with a continuous flow of cold air.

Ice dams that form on roofing in New Jersey may not be obvious until the damage is done. If you suspect ice damming could be an issue for your home, call Majestic Exteriors at (855) ROOF-479. We can conduct a thorough inspection and plan improvements to prevent this serious problem.

What better way to start out 2012 than with a freshly updated home interior? While our name says we create “Majestic Exteriors,” our experienced and talented NJ roofing professionals are equally at home with interior renovations. Whether it’s a finished basement, a remodeled bathroom or a kitchen update, Majestic Exteriors knows how to make the inside of your home as beautiful as the outside!

Our experienced staff will work closely with you to define your hopes and dreams for your remodeled room. We’ll handle all aspects of planning, design and construction to ensure your project is completed on time, on budget and beyond expectations. We are the New Jersey contractor who can deliver on any of these projects:

• Basements. Finish your entire basement or create smaller spaces to accommodate laundry or storage. Majestic can install new flooring, walls and finishes to help you convert a boring basement into a welcoming space for the entire family.
• Kitchens. As a full-service general contractor, Majestic Exteriors offers complete kitchen remodeling services. From new cabinetry to island design and installation, room expansion to specialty flooring, we’ll make it functional, attractive and spacious.
• Bathrooms. We provide full bathroom remodeling services, including flooring, plumbing, walls, ceilings, fixtures and lighting.

Don’t look for a new home – make your current home just what you’ve always dreamed of! Call Majestic Exteriors today at (855) 766-3479 to start planning your new basement, bathroom and/or kitchen with a FREE in-home consultation and estimate.

As 2011 draws to a close, we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who contributed to the success of Majestic Exteriors over the past year. First, we express a heartfelt thank-you to our wonderful customers for their business. We know you have many roofing contractors in central and northern New Jersey to choose from, and are honored you continue to select Majestic for your home improvement needs!

We are also grateful for our loyal and talented employees, who make the difference for us and our customers. They tackle every project as if they were working on their own home, and treat every customer like family. Thank you for giving 110% to each job!

We at Majestic Exteriors look forward to even greater success in 2012 by continuing to offer NJ homeowners a home improvement experience that is enjoyable, problem-free and affordable. Here’s to a great new year!

Winter is here. Is your home ready? Unfortunately, Northeastern homes are often poorly prepared for long, cold winters, resulting in massive heating bills. Drafty windows, leaky NJ roofing, and lack of insulation are all energy-wasting problems, but the good news is that they can easily be remedied by the do-it-yourself homeowner. Here are a few tips on weatherizing important areas of your home for winter.

1. Inspect your roof and clear the gutter system. Make sure all roofing materials are in good repair. If guttering has become clogged, clear out the debris to allow snowmelt to flow away from your home rather than backing up under shingles.
2. Insulate the attic. Your roof forms a major part of your building envelope, and because heat rises, a roof that is inadequately insulated can be a troublesome issue. Ice dams often form on underinsulated roofs. This occurs when heat from inside the home escapes through the ceiling and into the attic, warming the underside of the roof. The warmth melts snow on the roof, which refreezes near the eaves and traps additional runoff. The pooled water can then finds its way into various parts of your home. After installing the correct amount of insulation, heat won’t escape as easily from your ceiling and the danger of ice damming will be gone.
3. Check windows and doors. Older windows and doors are notorious leakers of warm air. If you choose to replace them, Majestic Exteriors offers professional window and door installation for your New Jersey home. If replacement is not an option, do your best to seal gaps with spray-on foam insulation or caulk.

Your NJ roofing can even tell you how well your home is conserving energy. If you notice that snow is melting more quickly on your roof compared to nearby homes, or if you notice different rates of snowmelt, the formation of icicles or ice damming, it’s time to call Majestic Exteriors. We want to help make your home more comfortable and efficient! Contact us today at 855-ROOF-479 for a no-obligation inspection.