In honor of National Home Remodeling Month, we’d like to share the results of a survey recently released by the National Association of Home Builders. The survey shows common remodeling projects have increased when compared to a similar survey from 2010. Remodelers report that kitchen and bathroom projects remain the most popular remodeling jobs, with homeowners increasingly upgrading both rooms and making major repairs as they decide to stay in their current homes longer. Nearly 50 percent of remodelers report seeing an increase in the number of homeowners who undertake remodels to avoid moving, compared to the 2010 findings.

Both kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects were up 17 percent from two years ago, with bathroom remodels cited as a common job by 78 percent of remodelers and kitchen remodels at 69 percent. Other popular remodeling categories included:
• Window/door replacements (44 percent)
• Whole house remodels (35 percent)
• Room additions (33 percent)
• Handyman services (31 percent)

Repairs and replacements of old components and the desire for upgraded amenities were cited as the top reasons for customers to hire a remodeler. In contrast, more than 20 percent of remodelers said there was a decrease in customers remodeling to increase home values as an investment.

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! Call us today at (855) 766-3479 to start planning your remodel with a FREE in-home consultation and estimate.

If your thoughts are turning to spring home improvement projects as the weather warms, be sure to add roof maintenance to your list. Our roofing contractors in New Jersey remind you that a few simple tasks can repair damage from winter storms and go a long way toward preventing roof leakage. Homeowner’s insurance does not typically cover damage due to poor maintenance!

1. Inspect shingles. During dry weather conditions, use a ladder to climb onto your roof deck. Closely inspect shingles for any signs of damage. If you notice shingles that are buckling, cracked or missing, they will need to be quickly repaired or replaced. Asphalt shingles are covered with a protective layer of ceramic granules. If shingles appear to be worn smooth, they have reached the end of their lifespan and should be replaced.

2. Repair flashing. Flashing is strips of pliable metal that bridge the gap between shingles and chimneys, skylights and other roof features to prevent leaks. Harsh winter weather can loosen flashing and leave your New Jersey roofing vulnerable. Tack down loose flashing tightly and seal tack holes with roof cement.

3. Clean out gutters. Blocked guttering can cause expensive water damage to your home’s structure, and debris tends to build up over the winter months. So grab a ladder and use a trowel to remove leaves, sticks and other debris from your gutters. Be sure that the entrance and exit of the downspout is clear. Flush the guttering with a garden hose to ensure water is draining away from your foundation.

4. Tighten metal roof bolts. If you have a metal roof, examine the metal roof bolts and tighten them if necessary to prevent wind and water damage.

If you prefer to have a professional perform these tasks, Majestic Exteriors can help. Call us at (855) ROOF-479 for a FREE multi-point inspection and estimate on roof repair or replacement.

In addition to certifications by many other manufacturer partners, Majestic Exteriors is proud to be an Owens Corning™ Roofing Preferred Contractor. Roofing companies with this exclusive designation are selected by invitation from the Owens Corning Roofing Contractor Network due to their commitment to service, reliability and unparalleled craftsmanship. Each Owens Corning Preferred Contractor must meet strict criteria, including the following:

• A minimum of two years operating under the same business name.
• Be in good standing with the Better Business Bureau.
• Hold at least $1,000,000 in general liability insurance.
• Carry all required state and local licensing and insurance.
• Possess knowledge of the latest industry standards and technology.
• Dedication to customer service and professional craftsmanship.

As a Preferred Contractor, Majestic Exteriors’ site supervisors, foremen and installers are factory-trained on the latest Owens Corning installation methods and techniques. In addition to the peace of mind offered by our proven business practices, we also have the ability to offer the Owens Corning System Advantage™ Preferred Roofing Limited Warranty.

Protect your home and family by choosing the best roofing products, installed by the superior craftsmanship of an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor! Call Majestic Exteriors today at (855) ROOF-479 for more information about Owens Corning roofing products, or for a FREE in-home estimate.

Severe storms in the Garden State are often accompanied by hail, one of the most dreaded and damaging forms of precipitation. The most obvious damage you’ll notice after a hailstorm is to cars, but even though they’re out of sight, asphalt shingle roofs will sustain the same kind of damage.

The damage caused by hail can be cosmetic, where there’s some granule loss but the performance of the shingle won’t be affected, or functional, characterized by significant granule loss, cracking or puncturing of the shingle that will lead to a shortened lifespan and/or leakage. There are several factors that impact how asphalt roofing shingles are affected by hail.

• Age and quality of the shingles (old, cheap shingles will be less resistant to damage).
• Size and weight of the hailstones (the bigger, the more damage).
• Speed at which the hailstones hit (wind-driven hail will fall harder).
• Angle of hail fall (hail which hits at a 90° angle has greater impact).

Many times hailstorms produce damage that only professional roofing contractors in New Jersey can recognize. The experts at Majestic Exteriors are specially trained to locate hail damage and help you take corrective action, if necessary. Call us today at (855) ROOF-479 to schedule your free, no-obligation inspection.

As a certified installer of Owens Corning™ roofing materials, Majestic Exteriors has committed to go to extra lengths to keep old roofs out of landfills and make a smaller environmental impact. We are among a select group of New Jersey contractors who have taken the Preferred Contractor Shingle Recycling Pledge, offering our customers the option to reduce waste and save energy by ensuring their shingles won’t end up in a landfill.

After cleaning up a roof replacement project, we work with Heritage Environmental Services and other reputable recyclers to deliver discarded shingling to recycling drop-off centers. The Shingle Recycling Program then turns the material into asphalt used to pave new roads.

Established in 2009, in alliance with Heritage Environmental Services and Earth911.com, the Owens Corning Roofing & Asphalt Shingle Recycling Program is currently active in 39 markets nationwide. Since its inception, the program has recycled more than 95,000 tons of asphalt shingles at the Heritage affiliate locations, the equivalent of saving 95,000 barrels of oil!

For more information about the Shingle Recycling Program, and to ensure your next re-roofing in NJ makes less environmental impact, contact Majestic Exteriors at (855) ROOF-479.

Recently, Majestic Exteriors was pleased to see another New Jersey family settled in a beautiful new home constructed by our local Habitat for Humanity chapter. On this particular project, the Majestic team installed the entire roof system, donated by GAF. This included installation of new plywood sheeting, fascia boards and an attractive architectural dimensional roof. We received the following commendation from Maureen Mulligan, Executive Director of Coastal Habitat for Humanity.

“On Mar. 3, we were delighted to host our Home Dedication for our newest home located on Borden Avenue in Asbury Park. Our homeowner, along with her children, wish to express their deep gratitude to all who made this event possible. We too wish to express our great appreciation for your generous donation of free roofing installation to Coastal Habitat for Humanity. We value our partnerships with local businesses and want to recognize the tremendous impact you have made on our endeavor to eliminate poverty housing.
“None of this could have been possible without the gift-in-kind donations of businesses like Majestic Exteriors. Thank you once again!”

Majestic Exteriors is proud to partner with Habitat for Humanity and other worthy causes in our community. For more information, and to join our chapter as a volunteer or a donor, please visit Coastal Habitat for Humanity. For a quote on your next NJ roofing project, call Majestic Exteriors today at (855) ROOF-479.

As one of the leading roofing contractors in NJ, Majestic Exteriors provides expert gutter system design and installation. Our gutters are properly sized and configured to collect and direct the flow of water safely away from your home. This includes installing durable, seamless gutter troughs that are securely fastened to your home, along with wide downspouts that accommodate the heaviest flow all year long.

We’re also excited to offer the WaterFall Gutter Guard System, featuring an innovative “step” design that keeps gutters clean of leaves and twigs while allowing water to flow into the gutters and away from your house. WaterFall’s patented design slides under any shingled roof. And unlike metal “dome” systems, it keeps a low, clean profile that does not change the roofline. Consider these benefits of the WaterFall Gutter Guard System:

• No penetration of roof shingles
• Invisible from the ground
• Protection throughout all seasons
• Installs with any roof pitch and type of shingles
• Won’t chip, crack, dent or change color
• No overflow of water
• Lifetime written warranty

Why keep cleaning leaves and muck out of your gutters year after year? Call Majestic Exteriors today for a FREE in-home estimate on the WaterFall Gutter Guard System. Our skilled roofing contractors in NJ can be reached at (855) ROOF-479.

With only a little effort, the beauty of vinyl siding can be maintained for years and years. Siding naturally becomes dirty due to exposure to the atmosphere. Routine cleaning will do wonders to improve its appearance, and won’t affect performance. Here are some helpful hints on maintaining the beauty of your vinyl siding.

• Cleaning. Vinyl siding should be washed with water and a soft cloth or soft bristle brush. The bristle brush may be useful to clean grooves in the texture. Power washers should only be used if recommended by the siding manufacturer. Be careful not to aim a power washer upward so as to drive water behind the siding. Smaller stains, such as mold and mildew, may be removed with general household cleaner. Be sure to test the cleaner on a small spot before applying it to a large section of siding. After washing and removing stains, rinse siding thoroughly with water.

• Protect from discoloration. Stains, sealants and similar materials can discolor siding, so cover it when conducting home improvement projects. Certain insecticides and herbicides have a similar effect, so consult the product instructions before spraying near vinyl siding.

• Protect from heat. Vinyl siding is extremely durable, but when exposed to extreme heat it will melt. Keep direct heat sources, such as BBQ grills and fires, at a safe distance, and don’t pile ignitable materials, such as trash and leaves, near the side of your home.

Majestic Exteriors is an experienced New Jersey siding contractor installing top-quality siding with superior performance and warranties. Call us today at 855-ROOF-479 for a free in-home consultation, where we can help you make the best siding decisions.

When it’s time to decide on major home improvement projects, window replacement rarely makes the top of a homeowner’s list. Most people prefer a shiny kitchen makeover, new roofing or updated NJ siding. But even though replacement windows don’t hold the same glamour as other improvements, they do provide a great return on investment, in addition to increasing efficiency and adding substantial curb appeal. Let’s take a closer look at the biggest benefits of window replacement.

• Energy efficiency. Today’s window technology is more advanced than ever, with insulating features such as heat-reflecting, low-E coatings and argon gas between glass panes to minimize heat transfer. Installing ENERGY STAR qualified windows will further increase your home’s efficiency.

• Cost savings. Does your home still have its original, single-pane windows? Replacing them can save you a whopping 10-25% annually on heating and cooling costs. You’ll also be able to recover most of your investment should you decide to sell the home. In 2011, Remodeling Magazine reported that quality vinyl and wood window replacements resulted in a cost recovery of approximately 72% upon resale.

• Style. Beyond the advantages of improved efficiency and cost savings, new windows immediately improve curb appeal. You will be amazed at how window replacement in New Jersey can lift and brighten both the interior and exterior of your home, especially if your old windows were peeling and outdated.

Majestic Exteriors provides window and door installation services to give your home the ultimate in efficiency and appeal. If you are planning to install new siding on your home, installing replacement windows at the same time makes good sense. Call us today at (855) 766-3479 for a FREE estimate on siding, window installation or any other service.

Now that spring is just around the corner, you may be thinking of hiring a home improvement company to complete some much-needed projects around the house. Unfortunately, dishonest contractors know this, and ramp up their efforts to take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners at this time of year. The good news is that with a little research and a healthy dose of caution, most less-than-reputable contractors are easy to detect. The Better Business Bureau offers these tips to distinguish between honest contractors and home improvement scams.

1. Investigate the contractor’s background. “Check out a company’s BBB rating and complaint history at www.bbb.org. It’s fast, easy and free.”
2. Compare bids. “Get at least three bids in writing and be sure you compare the bids based on the same warranty, specifications, labor and time.”
3. Verify licensing and insurance. “Check to see if the company you plan to hire has the proper licensing.” Also, “verify the company’s liability insurance to protect you against damage. You can also check with the department of insurance in your state.”
4. Talk to references. “Ask for references from the company’s last three jobs and check them out before you sign a contract. Do not hire someone who is driving through your neighborhood, or who puts a flyer in your mailbox and claims to be doing work with your neighbors.”
5. Get it in writing. “Do not permit work to start without a signed, written contract that includes start and completion dates, exact costs, specific work to be done, and warranty information.”

For the complete BBB article about avoiding spring home improvement scams, click here. For nearly 20 years, Majestic Exteriors has provided high-quality, reasonably priced home improvement services across the Garden State. You can trust our team to serve you with honesty and integrity. Call Majestic today at (855) ROOF-479 for a FREE estimate on any service.