Other parts of the metro area which large hail was reported include Edina, Eden Prairie, Elk River, Golden Valley, Chaska and Chanhassen. There were reports of funnel clouds around Hopkins as well. The extreme winds blew the roof off a home in Wright County and numerous vehicles suffered body and window damage throughout the storm’s path. Luckily, no injuries were reported. Other areas adversely affected were Anoka, Ellendale, St. Francis, Waite Parke, St. Joseph and Bowlus.

Strong winds accompanied the hail storm with wind gusts as high as 70mph reported in northern and western Wisconsin and throughout central and southern Minnesota.

Hail and wind storms are a common occurrence this time of year around Wisconsin and Minnesota and can cause substantial damage to area homes and businesses. If you’ve been hit recently with large hail or see missing shingles on your roof it is probably time to have the exterior of your home checked by an expert. Contact Trinity Exteriors to request a free exterior home inspection.

It’s happened again! For the second year in a row, Trinity Exteriors, Inc. has received the Super Service Award from Angie’s List. In 2009, we received the award for our roofing services. But, in 2010 the award encompasses our roofing, siding and gutter services.

Angie’s List is one of the top rated consumer review websites on the internet. It has more than 1,000,000 visitors per month and some of the best news reporting sites on the web have given Angie’s List rave reviews. U.S. New and World Report calls Angie’s List “an invaluable repository of informed judgments on an increasingly deep inventory of service providers.” The New York Times said “Not sure where to look for a reliable contractor…Join Angie’s List.” Angie’s List also has exceptional reviews from MSNBC, Fox News, Good Morning America and the Today Show.

Their Super Service Award is only given to those companies which meet their stringent eligibility requirements for reporting, member ratings and customer reviews. According to Angie’s List only about 5 percent of the contractors listed on their site actually meet the requirements, so to have won the Super Service Award two years in a row is an accomplishment we are so proud of – we couldn’t have done it without our customers, it’s you we give our thanks to.

Trinity Exteriors, Inc. values our customers’ opinions and respect above all else, so getting such an award from a consumer driven site like Angie’s List shows us that our customers value our efforts as well. We work all year round to provide superior workmanship in all areas of the home exterior industry; whether new construction or restoration we believe that Integrity, Quality and Service are the prominent qualities of a successful company. We give you our pledge to keep up the good work in 2011 and beyond.

Choose Roof Color By: Type of Home

A light grey roof may match well with a red brick Georgian home, but create a dreary and somber exterior with a stone German Colonial. A red roof works well on a white adobe Spanish-style home often found in the southwest, but may look out of place on a woodland ranch in Montana. Research your type of home and find what works best with its general design.

Choose Roof Color By: House Color

House color is perhaps the most important determinant when deciding on roof color. You can go with a high contrast roof that stands out against your siding and trim color or match the siding with the roof so that they blend together. If your house matches your local terrain, then you should try and blend in the roof as well. A white house with a black roof makes an effective contrast, while a brown roof will give your entire home a more traditional look. A yellow house with light green trim doesn’t need a yellow roof; a light grey will keep the focus on the house rather than the roof. Remember, your roof should complement your house color, not quarrel with it.

Choose Roof Color By: Climate

Also consider that darker colors absorb more heat, so if you live in a hot climate then a dark roof may keep the interior of your home warmer than a light colored roof. According to tests done by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, a white roof on a sunny day (55 degrees outside) reached 118 degrees Fahrenheit, while black roof surpassed 140 degrees. Such considerations based purely on roof color can have a noticeable affect your cooling or heating bills.

Choose Roof Color By: Community

Some neighborhoods have Community Housing Associations that make the rules on house and roof color. If you are part of an association, then refer to the rules before making any decision. For neighborhoods that do not have such regulations, look around your community and see the types of house colors and roofing blends. Drive around your area and see the general styles; it will help narrow down the possibilities.

Additional Roof Color Resources:

• CertainTeed ColorView

With the Holiday Season approaching quickly, it seemed all too perfect to comment on this wild photo, found in a photo essay of 17 Living Roofs.

Gol, Norway

These folks can decorate their roof and Christmas Tree at the same time. I wonder if Mr. Claus would be intrigued, or afraid to land?

Happy Holidays..

Step 1) Find the square footage of your attic. If you have a garage, include this as well since proper garage ventilation confers similar benefits. For example, if your attic space is 50 feet x 40 feet, then you multiple the numbers together and get 2000 feet. 50 × 40 = 2000 square feet.

Step 2) Divide the final number by 150. This number is called the Total Net Free Ventilating Area (TFNVA) and refers to the fact that there should be proper ventilation for every 150 square feet of attic space. The number is a recommendation by the Federal Housing Administration, which recommends between a 1/150 to a 1/300 ratio depending on the age of the home. If you have an older home then a 1/300 ratio is suitable, since the home is probably less energy efficient and thus less airtight. The building codes of new homes over the past 20 years are much stricter, making them more airtight and therefore requiring additional ventilation.

Let’s use the maximum recommended TNFVA of 1/150 to get maximum ventilation: 2000 ÷ 150 = 13.33. This is the total square footage of attic venting needed in your home.

Step 3) Convert square feet into square inches: 13.33 × 144 (the number of square inches in a square foot or 12 × 12) = 1919.52 (you can round this up to 1920). This is the total square inches of venting you need. Since vents are measured in inches it is easier to do the final vent calculation if you use inches.

Step 4) Calculate the intake and exhaust venting percentage based on 60% intake vents (soffits and eaves) to 40% exhaust vents (near the roof ridge). You could make simpler calculation of 50/50, but most experts recommend a 60/40 split. So 1920 × .60 = 1152 square inches for intake vents and 1920 × .4 = 768 square inches for exhaust vents.

Step 5) Choose and install the right number and types of vents needed for proper attic ventilation. Different types of vents provide various rates of venting efficiency and also a different visual aesthetic to your home, so choose carefully.

Additional Attic Ventilation Resources:

• 7 Common Problems Caused By Poor Attic Ventilation
• Homeowner Guide: Inspecting Your Attic Before Winter
• A Guide to Installing Attic Ventilation

Roofing Material Option 1: Asphalt Shingles

Also called composition shingles, they are the most popular and cost effective roofing material option for most homeowners. Made from a base of asphalt (similar to what is used on roads) that is applied to either an organic or fiberglass mat, they are a roofing option that is suitable in all climates. Composition shingles come in a wide range of colors and styles to suit the design and color of your home, as well as the general aesthetics of your neighborhood and region. Asphalt roofing materials can cost anywhere from $50 to over $150 per square (Square = 10 × 10 foot section) depending on the quality, thickness, style and special upgrades like Reflective Cool Shingles. The average lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof depends on your area, but manufacturer warranties range from 20-year to Lifetime.

Roofing Material Option 2: Wood Shakes

A popular type of roofing material for homeowners who desire a natural look is wood shingles or shakes. Often times however wood roofing materials do not last as long and can be susceptible to fire in hot and dry climates. In addition, due largely to their labor-intensive installation can cost over twice as much as asphalt roofing materials. They are most often made from cedar and come in two distinct varieties: shakes and shingles. Shakes are thicker and have a rougher appearance, while shingles are much thinner (an average of one inch) and have a smooth appearance. Wood roofing materials require the most maintenance to stop the buildup of lichen, moss and it is necessary to check for sun damage periodically. They can be expected to last from 25 to 30 years on average.

Roofing Material Option 3: Clay Tile

Tile roofs are popular mostly in the hot southern climates. They are one of the most expensive options of roofing materials, but also have an average lifespan (with periodic maintenance) of more than 50 years. They are the heaviest roof form and so you may need to have a structural check on your house before choosing this option. The biggest advantage of tiles is their durability. Tiles (usually made from clay) are invulnerable to insects, decay and fire, though they still require regular maintenance. They are almost double the cost of standard asphalt shingles. But for many homeowners who prefer tile roofs, their aesthetic value is unprecedented and they look beautiful.

Roofing Material Option 4: Metal

The most expensive sloped-roof option, metal roofs are also the most durable and easy to maintain. Metal roofing is used around the country and has become increasingly popular over the last few years. They are highly durable (lasting over 50 years), fire resistant and when installed with proper insulation beneath them, is highly energy efficient. The newest metal roofs are made with upwards of 60 percent recycled materials and they absorb much less heat than asphalt shingles and tiles. Material costs typically run from $150 per square to over $600 depending on options used (i.e. steel, aluminum or copper) and come in a wide range of colors and styles to suit the design of most any home.

Additional Resources:

• Cedar Bureau
• Home Improvement Helper: Roof Materials & Products Guide
• Roofing Calculator

Sometimes referred to as exterior cladding, the siding material chosen for a home will protect it from the wind, rain, snow and severe weather, and will contribute a great deal to the character of a house through a variety of choices in color, style, texture, and materials. There are four primary siding material options most commonly used today, which include wood, plastic (vinyl), metal and composite materials. Choosing the right siding material for your home should be decided on a number of factors depending on your location, budget and personal preference.

Siding Material 1: Wood

Historically wood held rein as the most commonly used siding material (largely due to its abundance and lack of alternative choices) up until the last 50-100 years when modern manufactured siding like vinyl and metal became more available. Typically made of pine, redwood, or cedar, the natural beauty of wood is its largest attribute. However, compared to the other siding material options wood requires far more maintenance. Painting, water sealers, and chemicals to protect form infestation must be applied regularly.

Siding Material 2: Vinyl

Economical, durable and nearly maintenance free, vinyl siding is the most installed siding material in the U.S. and maintains a 34% market share over competing siding options. Relatively inexpensive and easy to install, vinyl never rots, decays or rusts, and comes in a variety of color options, styles and textures. Due to its flexibility, it will take mild abuse from rain, hail and the occasional baseball, without denting. However, vinyl siding can chip or crack if hit hard enough and has a tendency to become less resilient as it ages or in cold temperatures. Fortunately, damaged pieces of this siding material are fairly easy and inexpensive to repair or replace. In the past, some were prone to fading, however many quality brands have made advances in their coloring application and guarantee against fading for the life of the product.

Siding Material 3: Metal

Steel and aluminum are the most common forms of metal siding materials, both of which typically come at a premium price. Although metal siding is more expensive than vinyl, it is extremely durable and mostly maintenance free. Metal siding won’t crack or chip like its vinyl counterpart, however both are susceptible to being dented, particularly aluminum, depending on the gauge of the metal and force of impact. Steel siding materials can be somewhat heavy and unwieldy to install, and can rust if scratched. Seamless steel siding is an option provided by some siding contractors, which is custom cut and fit for a professional finish.

Siding Material 4: Composite Fiber Cement

Fiber cement, common in commercial construction, has made a strong surge as a residential siding material over the past few years. Manufactured from sand, cement and cellulose fibers, fiber cement siding is resistant to fire, cracking, rotting, hail damage, termites, and is designed to last up to 50 years. Colors and styles of fiber cement are quickly becoming more abundant as its popularity continues to increase. Although the fiber cement siding material has many benefits, some homeowners are yet deterred by its higher price and lack of options.

Consult With Your Contractor

Choosing the right siding material option for you and your home can be a difficult decision to make on your own. Asking your siding contractor for advice and input, may help in making the best choice for you.

Gutter Guard Materials

Aluminum Mesh Gutter Guard from Leaf Relief

The range of different gutter guard systems is considerable. The primary materials are copper, aluminum, plastic, nylon, metal mesh and foam. Each of the different gutter guard materials has distinct advantages and disadvantages. Copper does not rust though is more difficult and expensive to install. If you are looking for a nice copper-colored finish then you need to perform annual maintenance on the sealant to keep the copper from turning green. Aluminum is lightweight, less expensive than copper, and will typically last longer than any plastic or foam. However aluminum can cost a bit more than plastic and may require a more demanding installation. Plastic is durable and will not rust, but can crack in colder regions and is not as strong as metal products. Nylon, mesh and foam are most commonly used as gutter filter systems, rather than gutter covers, and therefore can still get clogged with debris easier than full gutter covers, but do have better water flow and are less expensive.

Types of Gutter Guards

Cover Type Gutter Guard from Gutter Helmet

The primary gutter guard systems fall into two primary categories: screens and covers. Screens act as a filter that allows much more water throughput into your gutters while keeping out large debris. Screens are usually made from nylon or metal mesh, foam or aluminum. Due to the relative thinness of screens they are less durable than covers, but are much easier to install and cheaper. They usually sit in the gutter or just along the top so are not seen. Gutter guard covers are much larger and more difficult to install. They are usually made from metal (copper or aluminum) or thick plastic. They sit atop your gutters so their appearance is a necessary consideration. Gutter covers keep all debris from going into your gutters, but do not allow as much water throughput during heavy rainstorms because their surface area over the gutter is much greater than a screen system.

Safety and Maintenance

Thousands of people get hurt every year trying to clean their gutters. They fall off ladders, slice open their hands on sharp edges or slip off their roofs. One of the best reasons to get a gutter guard system is safety. Once installed the standard gutter guards only need an annual maintenance check so you won’t have to be up on the ladder every season. If you have a professional install them, ask if annual checks are a part of your installation agreement. If you decide to install a gutter guard system yourself, then be aware of the dangers of using a ladder and take all necessary safety precautions. No matter what sort of installation you prefer, gutter guards – both screens and covers – will save you substantial maintenance time.

Choose The Best Gutter Guard System For You

You should take special care in determining what gutter guard system is best for you and your home. According to Gutter Protection Reviews, the best overall system is micro-mesh over an extruded frame, with the reverse curve waterfall gutter cover a close second. But, if you have extensive debris problems then micro-mesh may catch too much of it to be effective with water throughput, so a full gutter cover may be better. It is best to discuss the various gutter guard options with an installer in your area and then decide on what the most suitable choice is for you.

Will you pay a premium for a roofing tile that eats smog? A Georgia company, MontierLifetile hopes so. MontierLifetile has developed a concrete roofing tile, it has named Auranox, which absorbs and neutralizes Nitrogen Oxide, a primary pollutant caused by vehicles exhaust.

How the Auranox Roofing Tile ‘Eats’ Smog

The concrete tiles are treated with titanium dioxide, which when combined with UV light from the sun neutralizes Mono-Nitrogen Oxides or otherwise referred to as NOx. The resulting “organic nitrate” rinses off during rainfall and supposedly helps plants grow. A test study at the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany filled a chamber with NOx gases containing the smog eating tiles and measured the levels of pollutants after being treated with UV lights. The results showed significant decreases in NOx, as shown in the chart below.

All in all, the company claims that over the course of one year a 2,000 square foot roof will destroy the same amount of NOx that is produced while driving 10,800 miles.

Earlier this summer KB Home built a prototype home in Lancaster, California with the Auranox tiles pictured to the right.

Will Homeowners Pay a Premium for the Smog-Eating Roofing Tile?

The question remains, will people pay for it?

Although the company estimates that costs will begin to decrease with volume and time, it will most likely remain a premium price over traditional roofing choices. In addition, it seems only prudent to question the actual purity of the water runoff that is rinsing away the “neutralized” pollutants into homeowner’s yards. Also if the premium price tag is similar or still more than the solar powered shingles that are now being introduced, one would doubt that a homeowner would choose a smog eating tile over a solar product that can put money back in their pocket and reduce energy consumption.

Either way, the Auranox Smog Eating Tile has made its splash into the roofing market and its fate will be determined by adoption, which seems best suited for commercial use.

What do you think?

Inspecting the homes siding and exterior elevations is straightforward and shouldn’t require a lot of time to complete. Regardless of the type of siding you have, the objective of this fall maintenance checkup is to uncover basic signs of damage or areas where potential damage may occur if left unattended.

How To Inspect Siding and Exterior Elevations

• Loose Siding: Check all elevations for loose siding. Most manufactured siding like vinyl, steel and aluminum are both fastened to the building as well as interlocked between each piece. If any loose siding is found, check to make sure that it is fastened securely to the home before snapping it back into place.
• Cracked, Chipped or Broken Siding: Siding that is cracked, chipped or broken should be repaired to ensure that water cannot penetrate behind it and cause further problems. Many times minor damage of this nature can easily be repaired by either swapping out a damaged piece of siding with a new one, a tube of caulk or make-shift patch if need be. If damage extends beyond a more elementary fix, consider calling a professional for a repair.
• Remove Vegetation: Clear any trees, shrubs or other vegetation that may be touching the siding. Winter wind or ice storms can quickly turn a seemingly harmless branch too close to the home, into an unnecessary midwinter repair.
• Storage: For similar reasons, be sure to clear any stored items that are stacked, leaned, or otherwise touching the siding.
• Caulking: Check the caulking on all major seams or areas where each elevation of siding is interrupted. For example, where two walls meet, a roof slope meets the siding, or items protrude from the siding (i.e. dryer vents, around windows, doors, etc.). Look for loose, cracked or missing caulking and re-caulk as needed. When re-caulking a seam, remember to remove any old caulk and clean the area before applying.
• Weather Stripping: Another quick and simple fix that will save on winter heating bills is to check that all the weather stripping on the windows, doors and garage doors are in good condition. Good weather stripping keeps stops the cold winter drafts from stealing heat from the home. Most lengths of new weather stripping can be purchased for less than $10 and can install in less than 5 minutes.
• Soffits: Make sure all soffits are not broken, blown-in, sagging, or otherwise unsecured. Not only can winter winds blow snow up into the attic, the soffits or eaves often make a perfect entry for critters looking to escape the cold.
• Fascia: When inspecting fascia, it is most important to just ensure that they are not loose to where a heavy wind or strong gust could pull them off. When in doubt, a few small nails can help tack it into place.