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Grades of Cedar & The Cedar Bureau

Kutz Cedar Shake

Most of the wood used in cedar roofing is Western Red Cedar and comes from the cedar trees in British Columbia.  And just like the wood used in making floors, furniture, and any number of other products, the quality of the wood determines how long your roof will hold up to the elements and reach […]

Why Moisture Behind Your Siding Means Trouble for Your Home

Cedar Siding

When most homeowners consider the siding on their home they often think of the beauty and attractiveness it adds to their exterior. But siding is more than just a pretty face. It also performs the important function of protecting the interior walls from the outside elements. When water and snow create moisture behind it, the […]

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Get Your Roof Done

roofing exterior

One of the most costly mistakes we see our customers at Custom Installations make is waiting too long to have their roof replaced. Whether for budgetary reasons or time constraints some homeowners simply don’t get their roof fixed when it needs to be. While it may seem like a right decision for the short-term, waiting […]

Same Classic Look, More Lasting Power

Farmhouse roofing

Whether your Midwest home is a historic farmhouse, a vintage cottage or a classic Tudor, there are plenty of design options to choose from for your next exterior siding project. With James Hardie® siding and trim, you can opt for the antique look of shingles or lap siding, the more modern look of vertical siding […]

2 Siding Options that Won’t Look Right on a Chicago Home

fiber siding

We all want our homes exterior to look great and siding can be a big part of that. When choosing new siding for your home, there are many things to consider such as cost, color and material. While there are many factors that play into which material you choose, the region and climate in which […]

3 Questions to Ask a Siding Company Before Hiring

Aluminum Siding Pros Cons

One of the first steps in beginning any type of exterior project is finding the right contractor for the job. When interviewing potential companies to replace your siding it’s important to find out the details before signing the paperwork. This will ensure that you and the siding company are on the same page and ready […]

How to Pick the Right Roof Color for your Chicago Home

Buyers in the construction shop choose the soft roof tiles

Planning a roofing project? If so, you probably already know how difficult this task can be. There are many things to consider including cost, materials, installers, and more. One of the biggest decisions you will need to make is which color of shingle best suites both your home and your personal style. Since most roofs […]

Smart Ways Exterior Remodeling Can Raise Your Home’s Value

Real estate investment property value appreciation mortgage rates rising home prices and market analysis

We all know that exterior remodels can help raise the value of a home. We also know the types of remodels most likely to offer the best value including new siding, roof replacement. What many are unaware of though is how important it is to approach these type of projects the right way. This includes […]

Why Waiting Too Long To Fix a Roof Leak Leads to Bigger Problems

Weathered roof with missing shingles and visible wear, showcasing effects of time and elements on brick house

Neglecting your roof can be one of the worst things you can do.  To save time and money, homeowners often make the choice to wait for smaller, necessary repairs.  These short term decisions though lead to long term consequences.  Roofs which are poorly maintained age faster and are more likely to experience troublesome roof leaks.  […]

5 Questions to Ask a Siding Contractor Before You Purchase

Construction worker climbing a ladder to install new vinyl siding on a two story house, with partially completed siding visible

Few projects can have a bigger impact on your home than replacing the exterior siding. Not only does siding help enhance the home’s curb appeal, it also performs the important function of regulating the temperature inside. It helps keep the interior warmer during winter and cooler during summer by preventing the heated or cooled air […]