The Importance of Gutters and Downspouts

Posted on February 25, 2021 by admin

When moving into or remodeling a home, you might come to a point in which you ask yourself whether or not gutters and downspouts are necessary. Many homeowners wrestle with the idea of installing a gutter and downspout system since it is an expensive investment and clogged gutters can cause a serious amount of costly damages. But this perspective is a risky one to have, and choosing to forgo gutter and downspout installation for the sake of saving money is not a wise nor lucrative decision.

Continue reading to learn 3 important reasons why your home requires a quality gutter and downspout system.

Indianapolis Indiana General Contractors 317-454-3612

Problems Associated With Gutters and Downspouts

Before discussing the reasons why gutters and downspouts are so important, let’s first address a common misunderstanding that can cost you in the long run. It is wrongly believed by many home and property owners that gutter systems are a risk because they can become clogged and cause costly damage; so, as a result, they forgo them in hopes to prevent flooding and foundation issues. But forgoing a gutter system is the real risk! You need gutters and downspouts whether you are a residential or commercial property owner.

Without a gutter and downspout system, rainwater and melted snow will run over the sides of your home, rather than through a directed, enclosed system. As a result, it would cause massive water pooling issues every time it rains. Even a light rain shower would pose water accumulation risks, and overtime, such pooling will lead to costly structural foundation problems. Many people misinterpret gutters as a risk, but they only cause this issue when they become clogged, which can be easily prevented with a little routine maintenance.

Why You Need a Quality Gutter System

► Soil Erosion Prevention. When homes are built to code, they are built on a slight slope so that water runoff is directed away from the home’s foundation. Without gutters and downspouts, water flow is not guided properly, and the soil supporting the foundation of the property will massively erode overtime. After a while, water run-off will flow towards the home rather than away. This causes the foundation to settle, and you can even experience uneven or buckling floors, cracked ceilings, and wall cracks, inside the home.

► Basement Flood Prevention. Water has weight, and when soil becomes saturated with water, it is naturally heavier. Without gutters and downspouts, water accumulation weighs down the soil and adds excessive pressure on the foundation. Over time, basement walls will begin to push forward, warp, and crack. It can also lead to mold and mildew damage.

► Siding Protection. Unguided water flow will carry dirt, sediment, and debris with it wherever it goes. As it runs down your siding, it will leave behind stains, and eventually cause it to rot away. It can also lead to mold and mildew growth. Not only is this detrimental to your home’s curb appeal, but it also negatively impacts your home’s overall value since siding rot can jeopardize its structural integrity.

Advice to Walk Away With

Talk to a licensed general contractor about repairing or installing a gutter downspout system on your home. They have the knowledge and resources to provide professional assessments and solutions for water runoff , siding repairs, basement renovations, foundation repairs, and more.

Are you looking for qualified basement remodeling or siding contractors in Indianapolis, Indiana? Call Restoration By L&B LLC at 317-454-3612 for the most competitive general contractor rates around!

You Should Also Take a Look at:

Tips for Proper Gutter Maintenance
How to Assess the Cost of a Basement Remodel
Tips for Home Siding Maintenance

Home Renovations That Will Sell Your House at a Higher Price

Posted on November 4, 2020 by admin

Remodeling a home is no simple task. It takes months of planning, fore-thought, and more to achieve a proper home renovation or remodel. One of the most important factors to consider, especially when making the decision on what you wish to remodel, is which project will give you the highest return on investment and increase the home’s property value.

Continue reading for the four top-recommended home remodeling and improvement projects that offer the highest return on investment (ROI) for homeowners.

Indianapolis Home Remodeling Contractor 317-454-3612

What’s a Good Home Remodeling Plan?

In order to determine whether a home remodel is worth the investment, you must compare the cost of the project to the value of the project. Value versus cost is the first step to assessing whether or not a project is worthwhile. The average cost of a remodeling project has to include everything from labor and materials, to time off work, and more. And the value is assessed by how much the home’s value increases, and how much of that value returns as a profit if you were to sell the property down the line. All of these considerations and more are important when deciding whether or not to a home remodeling project is a good return on investment.

Popular ROI Home Improvement Projects:

▣ Garage Door Replacement – Replacing a standard 16×7 garage door with a 4-section garage door and new tracks, but using the existing motor, costs on average around $1600, but renders a ROI of nearly 89% after resale.

▣ Entry Door Replacement – A simple front door replacement can pay for itself after resale. Replace an existing door with a new factory-finished steel door for a high return on investment up to 100% or more!

▣ Wood Deck Installation – A larger project that renders a large return on investment. A professionally-built pressure-treated wooden deck with built-in benches, planters, railings, and stairs can cost around $12,000, but render up to 80% ROI or more after resale.

▣ Vinyl Siding Installation – Replacing old siding with new vinyl siding and trim is proven to be a wise ROI project for property owners. The average cost of replacing 1200 square feet of siding with new vinyl and trim is $10,000 with an average ROI of 80% or more!

Does Your House or Business Need an Updated Look Before Resale?

Hire a certified Indianapolis general contractor for professional advice and renovation services you can trust. They retain the proper tools, equipment, and training to undertake any residential or commercial remodeling project.

Residential Construction Home Remodeling Contractors in Central Indiana

Call Restoration By L&B LLC at 317-454-3612 for home remodeling and commercial general contractor services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and general contractor, Lee Elliot, is happy to answer all your questions about home remodel planning, prices, and process. And don’t forget; we guarantee to BEAT any prices quoted by our competition!

The Well Known Advantages of Cement Board Siding

Posted on August 7, 2020 by admin

When it comes time to replace that old vinyl or wood shingle siding, you may want to consider fiber cement board siding. Cement siding is a fantastic alternative to vinyl and wood siding for several reasons. With so many advantages, fiber cement siding is an alternative that’s worth considering. Continue reading to review some of the most admired benefits of cement board siding, and where to get trusted siding repair and replacement services near you.

Indianapolis Fiber Cement Siding Contractors 317-454-3612

What is Fiber Cement Siding?

Fiber cement siding is made from cellulous fibers, sand, and cement. It is a great alternative to wood and vinyl for many reasons. For example, wood siding requires repainting each year, and is susceptible to splitting, cracking, and similar wear and tear. It is also combustible, making it a potential fire hazard. Fiber cement board siding can imitate the look of wood and many other textures and designs. It is one of the most versatile materials in the siding market. There are thousands of options when it comes to color, texture, shape, size, design, and more. For those who want the look of wood, but wish to avoid all the hassles it can come with, cement board siding is a perfect eco-friendly alternative.

It is Very Affordable and Low Maintenance

Another great quality of cement siding is cost. Installation jobs are much cheaper than what it costs to install stone, wood, or other types of siding. Installation is easy, fast, and affordable! And when it comes to maintenance, fiber cement siding doesn’t require much. It generally comes prepainted and primed before purchase, so professional installation and periodic power washing is all it needs in terms of maintenance. It proves to be a cost-effective investment, capable of lasting up to 15 years or more. It does not easily fade, discolor, warp, buckle, or lose its durability.

Ask a Siding Contractor for Advice Before Buying

Be sure to hire a professional general contractor for all your residential and commercial siding installation needs. This will ensure your warranties stay valid and your siding is secure. Professional siding contractors retain the proper tools, resources, and licensing to provide these kinds of services and more. Be sure your siding installation project is done right by hiring a professional siding contractor in your town.

Residential Siding Repair and Replacement in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional siding repair and replacement in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our general contractors offer several services for residential and commercial siding, including cleaning, installation, replacement, and more. They service all siding types, primarily wood, vinyl, and fiber cement board. At the most competitive prices in town, you can beat the quality and affordability of their siding services. Call 317-454-3612 for professional repair and installation services for home siding and more.

How to Decide Between a Nail and a Screw

Posted on August 9, 2019 by admin

When it comes to home renovations and handyman projects involving wood, nails and screws are staple supplies to have on hand. But how do you know which one to use and when? Although the debate is ongoing, there are some facts and considerations that can help you decide which fastener is best for your particular home improvement application.

Continue reading to learn a few pointers for choosing between a nail and a screw, as well as, what to do if you are stuck making progress on your home repair or project.

Nails or Screws?

The truth is, both nails and screws are excellent fasteners for wood so they can usually be incorporated interchangeably. So long as you size your unit correctly and install it properly, you should have success with either one. Ultimately, the unit you choose to use on your particular application depends on personal preference and availability of tools and supplies.

First, consider how strong and lasting you need the connection to be. Screws are stronger by nature of installation, and therefore, are good choices for heavy or large items, such as drywall. Nails are slimmer, but come in very long size variations, making them good choices for aesthetic applications, thinner materials, and lightweight items like picture frames.

Next, think about the tools you have on hand. You want to match the type of screw or nail with the proper tool. If you only have a hammer, you may want to stick with nails, but if you have a power drill or screw driver, you can choose screws. Likewise, if you only have a Philips Head screw driver, you would need to use Philips screws. Phillips screws deliver a tighter fit compared to flat head screws, making them more popular among factories and handymen.

Third, take into consideration the size and shape of your wooden building materials. Screws tend to have more tensile strength, while nails have shear strength. Nails, although can bend under pressure, are quite strong and rarely snap. Screws are more brittle, but they connect wooden boards together, tighter and stronger. Screws also work better with wood’s natural structural propensity to expand and contract.

Common Nail Applications:

▻ Roof and Wall Framing
▻ Plywood Sheathing
▻ Hardwood Floors
▻ Siding/Roofing
▻ Interior Moldings
▻ Solid-Wood Edgings for Plywood Shelves
▻ Stiles and Rails for Cabinets
▻ And anywhere else you don’t want to damage wood with a screw.

Common Screw Applications:

▻ Drywall Hanging
▻ Wood Deck Fastening
▻ Cabinet Installation
▻ Wooden Toys
▻ Bookcases
▻ And any other wooden connection that you wish to take apart.

Stuck on a Home Renovation Project?

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for affordable residential remodeling services in Central Indiana and its surrounding areas. Our Indianapolis general contractors provide a wide range of services for both commercial and residential properties, from general handyman services and home remodels, to full-on renovations, additions, conversions, and more. Request an estimate, today!

Is it Too Late in the Year to Paint the Outside of a House?

Posted on September 26, 2018 by admin

If you’ve been meaning to have your homes exterior repainted, but still have not got around to it, you may be concerned that you may have missed your window of opportunity now that it is the start of fall. Continue reading to learn when the prime exterior painting season begins and ends, and whether or not you can still have great results this time of year of you choose to have your home painted.

Indianapolis Painting Contractors 317-454-3612

Now is Still as Good a Time as Ever

Prime exterior painting season varies from state to state because it mostly depends on climate. Here in Indiana, most painting jobs are performed between the months of May and August, when temperatures are warm and precipitation is low. In conditions like these, paint cures much faster. In fact, for a long time, paint manufacturers recommended to perform jobs in temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, which would usually extend the painting timeline to September. However, new innovative paint technology now allows us to paint homes even later in the year.

Innovative Paint Technologies

Such products are formulated to be applied in weather as cold as 35 degrees Fahrenheit! This means that you still have time to have your home painted this year! Generally, temperatures will drop lower than this around the end of November, which gives you a little more time to have your home or property painted. This is especially good news for those who have just purchased a property, and need a good “sprucing up” before moving in or opening for business.

How to Find the Right Paint

Only certain exterior paint products are specially formulated to be applied in cooler climates, making it quite important to choose the right ones for the job. Fortunately, this is not your job. A professional painting contractor will have all the resources needed to select and acquire such products. Leave it to them to choose the right paint for your property. Just be sure to choose a dependable Indianapolis exterior painting contractor who has decades of experience in the industry.

Indianapolis Painting Contractors You Can Trust!

Residential and Commercial Remodeling
317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional exterior painting services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding areas. We offer full-service painting solutions for both residential and commercial properties. On top of already competitive prices, we guarantee to beat any competitor’s price! Request an estimate, today.

3 Good Reasons to Power Wash Your Siding

Posted on May 14, 2018 by admin

Do you want to know how to improve the appearance of your home or commercial building? The answer is a basic wash! Power washing and pressure washing services are a quick and fantastic way to give your property an instant face-lift. Although some property owners may believe than can simply rent the necessary equipment and complete the job on their own, it is highly recommended to hire a professional company that offers power washing services and commercial pressure washing. They are the ones with the proper training, licenses, tools, and equipment to get the job done effectually and safely.

Continue reading to learn three reasons why you should consider power washing your home or property’s siding this year.

Home Siding Contractors 317-454-3612

❶ Aesthetic Appeal

When siding gets a pressure wash, it instantly improves the visible appearance. Stains, spots, blemishes, and more can all be erased with a quick power washing job. Pressure washing a building or siding is like washing a car. It immediately removes dirt and dust buildup, leaving a noticeable shine and appeal. The same can be done for a building as well. It can be used on vinyl, wood, fiber cement board, and more.

❷ Safety and Health Precautions

Overtime, a property’s exterior can accumulate mass amounts of contaminants and other unsafe pollutants and impurities. Mold, mildew, oil, and dirt can buildup and cause increased allergies and unsafe conditions for people. These contaminants are health hazards and will only get worse unless addressed right away. Regular pressure washing can reduce the rate of mold and mildew accumulation on a property’s siding. This leads to less sick days, which in turn leads to more family time. With a healthy home, everyone’s immune systems are that much more protected.

❸ Preventative Maintenance

Along with mold, dirt, debris, dust, and mildew accumulation, there are other variables and conditions that influence the durability and stability of a property’s siding; such as harsh weather, pests, wild animals, vandalism, and more. Regular pressure washing can eliminate the threat of wear and tear, protecting your building long-term. Along with a pressure wash, termite and pesticide applications should be administered as well, for further protection. These usually come included with residential and commercial power washing services.

Hire the Right Pros

If you decide to go through with pressure washing services for your home or commercial building, be sure you hire the right company. They should have the proper tools, training, and capability to perform various types of commercial building maintenance, in addition to power washing. This proves they are a reputable and solid company that knows the ins and outs of facility management and building maintenance.

Indianapolis Siding Contractors

Residential and Commercial Remodeling
317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional siding contractors in Indianapolis, Indiana. They offer several services for residential and commercial siding, including cleaning, installation, replacement, and more. They service all siding types, primarily wood, vinyl, and fiber cement board. At the most competitive prices in town, you can beat the quality and affordability of their siding services. Call 317-454-3612 for professional power washing services for home siding in Indianapolis, IN.

How Can Power Washing Services Benefit Commercial Properties?

Posted on November 2, 2017 by admin

Power washing is an excellent method of effective property maintenance that prominently supports aesthetic value and appeal of commercial properties.

Commercial Power Washing 317-454-3612

The visual appearance of any commercial property should be important to real estate owners. First impressions are often times the most valuable of ones. It can either repel or compel clients, investors, and other societal assemblies. Client or not, these impressions affect the way daily assumptions are made regarding the estimated value of a company or business. Continue reading to learn more ways power washing services can benefit commercial industries and real estate.

Advantages of Pressure Washing

Regular pressure washing for commercial properties has several advantages. Just like all other routine cleaning needed to maintain a professional property, outdoor preservation is needed as well. Power washing provides preventative maintenance, reduces safety and health hazards, and increase aesthetic value and appearance. Routine power washing eliminates dirt, debris, stains, loose gravel, and sometimes even graffiti. This automatically updates the appeal and look of any commercial property.

On ground surfaces, cigarette butts, food residues, foot prints, mud stains, and more are all washed away with high-powered water hoses and other similar professional power washing and cleaning equipment. For siding and buildings, pressure washing removes dirt accumulation and can eliminate contaminates that lead to bacteria growth and rot. Vinyl, brick, concrete, and various other exteriors can be sustained overtime with regular power washing services. It instantly brings a new luster and shine to building exteriors.

Additional advantages of commercial power washing:

• Increases Curb Appeal
• Preventative Care and Maintenance
• Reduces Mold, Mildew, and Bacteria Growth
• Eliminates Dirt and Oil
• Sustains Paint and Exterior Finishes
• Reduces Need for Renovation
• Reduces Painting Costs
• And More!

There are several other benefits when it comes to pressure and power washing. Shopping carts, vehicle fleets, golf carts, sidewalks, and more are all useful places for power washing services. As a business owner, it is highly recommended to sustain the visual appearance of your property for customers, clients, and employees. It reduces safety concerns and hazards, as well as, eliminates the need for excessive aesthetic maintenance and upkeep.

Commercial Siding Repair and Restoration

Residential and Commercial Remodeling
317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for siding repair and maintenance in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer residential and commercial siding repair, siding replacement, and siding installation for fiber cement board siding, vinyl siding, wood siding, and more. Owner and general contractor, Lee Elliot, is happy to answer your questions, anytime! Call 317-454-3612 today to get started!

The Importance of Proper Home Insulation

Posted on September 5, 2017 by admin

All homes need proper insulation to prevent outside air from penetrating within, and inside air from escaping. This is necessary for both cold and warm seasons. One of the first questions to ask yourself as a homeowner is whether or not your property has enough insulation.

Home Remodeling and Renovation 317-454-3612

Is Your Home Sufficiently Insulated?

As far as checking to see if you have enough insulation, simply look across your attic and check if you can see the floor beams. If you can, then your home could probably use a little more insulation. There are several benefits for having a properly insulated home; like reduced energy costs and consumption, lower monthly utility bills, enhanced moisture control, even temperature distribution, and more. Insulation is like protective lining for a home. It blocks cold air or heat from entering the home, and prevents temperature-controlled air from escaping. Attics can reach extremely high temperatures in the warmer seasons, up to 150 degrees or more! Without sufficient insulation, that heat will leave the attic area and seep into the living quarters of a home.

The opposite situation applies in winter months as well. Insulation will keep frigid air or hot air from leaving the top of the home. Keep in mind that a home’s insulation does more than just offer indoor air comfort; it also provides a sound barrier from outdoor noises and allows for the perfect moisture-level in the air so that it does not feel so dried out.

Determining the Condition of Your Home’s Insulation

Many homeowners have mistaken the results of poor attic insulation for a broken HVAC system. The home doesn’t cool or warm properly, so they assume it’s the heating and cooling unit, when in fact, it’s the lack of insulation in their home. This is why it is imperative to have your home’s insulation inspected annually by a licensed general contractor. They retain the proper training, certifications, and knowledge to accurately diagnose your insulation problems. A trusted general contractor can save you time and money with a proper analysis. They will check the insulation as part of their inspection, and then make professional recommendations for necessary attic and wall renovations.

Types of Insulation

There are many types of insulation for a home. They are mostly made from flexible mineral fibers like fiberglass or rock wool, and come in rolls and batts, or blankets. One popular choice is cellulose insulation. It’s non-flammable so it can contribute to fire-prevention in a home. It is also resistant to mold, mildew, insects, termites, and reduces condensation. Insulation is mostly made from mineral fibers like fiberglass or rock wool. There is also rigid-foam insulation, perfect for exterior wall sheathing, as well as, foam-in-place insulation made from polyurethane.

Another form of insulation is a loose-fit version, such as the cellulose insulation, that fits well in awkward places like duct work, pipes, or attics with lots of wires. Consult your Indianapolis home renovation contractor for information and advice on which materials you should choose.

Indianapolis Home Renovation Contractors

Building Repairs and Remodeling
317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for trusted commercial and home renovation services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Owner and general contractor, Lee Elliot, is happy to answer your questions about your remodeling work needs, any time.

Can I Paint My Home’s Exterior in Winter?

Posted on February 9, 2017 by admin

Exterior Painting Services 317-454-3612

Although winter exterior painting is not recommended, it is sometimes unavoidable. Cold weather can affect paint application and drying times, so it is important to use the correct strategies for the best outcome. When temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, it is considered cold weather; but temperatures that drop below 35 degrees Fahrenheit are considered freezing weather, which is not conducive to outdoor painting.

If you have to paint your home’s exterior this winter, it is possible to do so as long as you paint within these cold weather surface temperatures (35° – 50°) and use the right paint products. Continue reading to learn more about cold weather outdoor painting, and some tips that will help you achieve professional-grade results for your home.

Cold Weather Exterior Painting Tips

There are many problems that can occur as a result of improper paint and too cold temperatures. These include poor color uniformity, slow drying times, improper film formation, film cracking, poor stain resistance, and more. The most reliable way to ensure your cold weather exterior painting project turns out right is to hire a professional painting contractor. They have the training, experience, equipment, and resources to deliver outstanding results in a convenient time frame. But if you are set on doing it yourself, be sure to follow these important tips:

➦ Use an oil-based or acrylic exterior paint that is designed for cold weather temperatures as low as 27 degrees Fahrenheit.

*Recommended: Sherwin-Williams Resilience Exterior Acrylic

➦ Use a quality bonding primer prior to applying the first coat of paint.

➦ Choose a clear, sunny day to paint. Light and sun help drying time.

➦ Always paint during the warmest part of the day (usually between 10am and 2pm). Follow the sun as you work your way around the house. Then stop working when temperatures start to drop.

➦ Keep in mind that caulkers, fillers, and primers require warmer outdoor temperatures.

➦ Cooler weather reduces drying time, so be sure to wait long enough between coats.

➦ Be sure to also consider the surface temperature of your home’s siding. It may be colder than the outside temperatures, which can affect paint application and drying time. You can use a non-contact infrared thermometer to test surface temperatures.

➦ Use the proper paint rollers and brushes for outdoor and cold weather painting.

Indianapolis Painting Contractors

Home Repair Service
317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for superior home painting services you can trust. Owner, Lee Elliot, and his team of licensed Indianapolis painting contractors, provide a wide range of residential and commercial painting services, and we guarantee to BEAT any competitor’s price! Call us today at 317-454-3612 to request an appointment for an in-person written estimate at your earliest convenience.

Choosing an Exterior Paint for Your Home

Posted on April 5, 2016 by admin

Indianapolis Painting Contractors 317-454-3612

When it comes to upgrading the look and feel of your home, nothing works more instantaneously than a fresh coat of paint. Re-painting the exterior of your home can instantly give your property a new and improved look. But for the best results, it takes a little foreknowledge about exterior paint. The first step to repainting the outside of your home, whether it be the shutters or the siding, is to choose the right type of paint.

Exterior House Paint

In a perfect world, all exterior paints would resistant to everything that is damaging, including heat, cold, sun, wind, rain, hail, snow, wildlife, and more. But in the real world, it is tough to meet those expectations with the technologies available to us today. Fortunately, there are still plenty of exterior paints formulated to withstand peeling, chipping, and fading for years to come. But it requires some extra room in the budget, as quality paints tend to cost more.

Quality exterior paint contains high-value pigments, additives, and resins. When looking, simply choose a 100% Acrylic Latex paint, and you are sure to choose wisely. All-acrylic paints stick to anything, including wood, vinyl, masonry, and metal. Steer clear of acrylic blends and vinyl resins. The all-acrylic formulations are most popular and high quality. But keep in mind that no matter how high-quality your paint is, the results are equally dependent on the quality of surface you are working with. It is important to remove the old paint, properly sand the surface area, and then prime it, all before applying any new paint. The surface area must be entirely smoothed and primed before paint can be applied, otherwise the end result is inconsistent.

Fortunately, all this hard work pays off in the end, since it will be years before you’ll have to repaint again. With a quality all-acrylic exterior home paint, you can enjoy a fresh-looking paint job for years and years. Here are some recommended brands of exterior paint:

Valspar Professional® – $22 per Gallon

Do It Best, Best Look® – $35 per Gallon

HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams, Infinity® – $49 per Gallon

Olympic Assure® – $22 per Gallon

Exterior Painting Services in Indianapolis

Indianapolis Painting Contractors 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 when you need professional exterior painting services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Lee Elliot, is a licensed general contractor that provides residential and commercial painting services at the most competitive prices in town. In fact, we guarantee to BEAT any competitor’s price! Whether interior, exterior, decks, patios, and more, we have the training and resources to make your vision come to life in a convenient time-frame. Call 317-454-3612 for information about painting home siding in Indianapolis, IN.