Five out of 10 consumers want light control on skylights, but only one out of 10 have it. Now, with the new VELUX® blind collection, you’ll see how easy it is to control the light from your VELUX skylight! VELUX includes factory-installed blinds on select skylight models, as well as optional blinds on other models. In addition to its assortment of in-stock blinds, VELUX offers more than 75 new color/pattern choices for blinds to be ordered separately. While not pre-installed, these blinds can be ordered and shipped to the dealer within 14 working days. Consider the advantages of a skylight blind.

• Drama. With over 100 colors and pattern choices available, you can use the VELUX blind collection to reflect your personality and turn ordinary rooms into something special.

• Balance. Carefully positioned skylights with blinds can help bring harmony to a home. Positioning skylights above windows opens up the space and reduces glare. The room is now functional, flexible and relaxing.

• Privacy. Homes are being built closer to one another and the balance of providing sufficient natural light and privacy has become an issue. That’s why, according to the National Association of Home Builders, 65% of homebuyers request light from above through skylights in their bathroom, a room where privacy and light is of the utmost importance.

• Energy efficiency. The addition of blinds can increase the overall energy efficiency of your skylight by 37%. In the summer on high heat/sun days, close the blinds to reduce potential solar heat gain. In the winter, on cold nights, close your blinds to provide an extra layer of thermal insulation to keep warm air indoors.

The NH roofing experts at AJC Roofing are pleased to offer VELUX skylights featuring the new blind collection – truly the industry’s most durable and functional skylights. Call us today at (877) 578-0494 to discuss options and schedule a FREE skylight estimate!

Now that warmer weather has arrived, it’s time to take care of some basic roof maintenance tasks that will uncover problems that may have developed over the course of the winter. If you’re the do-it-yourself type, here are the most important items to include on your spring to-do list for roofing in NH.

1. Inspect the shingles. Carefully climb onto your roof and do a thorough inspection of your NH roofing system. Look for shingles that are missing, peeling or cracked – these will need to be repaired or replaced. If you notice that your shingles are beginning to look smooth, or if there are a lot of granules in the gutter, this is also an indication that they need to be replaced.

2. Check for loose flashing. Flashing prevents water from seeping underneath your shingles. Winter storms may cause flashing to pull away from vulnerable areas such as around chimneys and skylights, so it’s important that flashing is secure. Loose flashing can be tacked down and the tack holes sealed with roof cement.

3. Tighten metal roof bolts. If you have a metal roof, be sure to examine its metal bolts and tighten them if necessary. Doing this in the spring is wise preparation for summer and fall storm seasons.

4. Clean out your gutters.  Use a ladder and a trowel (or your hands) to remove leaves and other debris, then flush out the guttering with a garden hose. Check to be sure downspout entrances are clear, and for any loose or rusty sections of gutter.

We advise that you contact a qualified New Hampshire roofing contractor if your roof shows signs of aging or damage, or if its design is particularly steep or otherwise dangerous. Call AJC Roofing at (877) 578-0494 to schedule an inspection or obtain a free estimate for roof repair or replacement.

• Prorated warranty. Should there be a defect found in your roofing, a prorated warranty only reimburses a percentage of replacement costs, depending on the age of the roof. You must pay the remaining percentage of the cost to repair or replace a defective product during the warranty period. The older the roof, the smaller the amount reimbursed.

• Non-prorated warranty. A non-prorated warranty provides full replacement costs for shingles and other items covered throughout the full term of the warranty. With a non-prorated warranty, defective products and/or product installation will be repaired or replaced during the warranty period at no charge. However, this warranty does not guarantee that the installation will last throughout the warranty period, only that it will remain free of defects.

Many warranties rely upon proper installation by your roofing contractor. In the event shingles and other components are not properly installed, and the manufacturer does not offer workmanship coverage, the manufacturer warranty will be void and any defects will have to be handled by the installing contractor.

The actual terms of a roofing warranty will differ by company and the roofing material you select. Always find out what type of warranty is being offered and the terms of the agreement, and get a copy before signing a contract. No other NH roofing company offers you more warranty choices for your new roof than AJC Roofing. For the best protection for your home, call our Granite State roof experts at (877) 578-0494 to schedule a free, in-home consultation.

There are three important signs to identify a hail-damaged roof: missing granules, bruising and circular cracking. Small hailstones will probably only knock off the top layer of granules, while large hail will result in severe punctures. Understanding these signs will help you to accurately assess the severity of hail damage to your roof.

• Missing granules. When granules are knocked off the top shingle layer, the black substrate underneath will be revealed. Check for substrate that looks fresh, not dried from previous sun exposure.
• Bruising. Dimples or indentations in the shingle surface are an indication of hail hits. Press your thumb against the mark and examine for a spongy feel, like a bruised tomato. Even slight bruising can cause shingles to fail prematurely.
• Circular cracking. When large enough, hailstones can leave circular cracks in either a half-moon or full circle shape. This means the shingle has been thoroughly compromised, making it highly susceptible to water penetration.

If you suspect hail damage after a severe storm, or if you notice any of the above symptoms, call AJC Roofing at (877) 578-0494 for an in-depth roof inspection. The trained eye of our inspector can find hidden damage, and distinguish between normal wear-and-tear and hail damage. Don’t delay – your roof is too important!

Pricing among gutter contractors can vary dramatically, along with the longevity of their gutter systems. Even if it’s not the cheapest gutter around, over the course of decades the performance of a quality gutter installation with correctly installed flashing, heavy-duty hidden hangers and self-sealing screws will more than make up for any additional cost.

Here are some key characteristics of a properly constructed gutter system:
• Seamless gutter troughs that won’t allow water to leak through.
• Troughs that are wide and deep enough to accommodate heavy runoff.
• Stout hangers that prevent loaded gutters from pulling away from the structure.
• One-piece end caps to prevent water from escaping.
• Wide downpipes that can handle heavy water flow and that are long enough to direct water away from a home’s foundation.

At AJC Roofing, we understand that a properly functioning gutter and downspout system ultimately prevents structural damage. From inspection and replacement to gutter cover systems, we offer complete gutter services to keep your home protected. Call (877) 578-0494 today for a FREE gutter inspection and estimate.

Beyond its basic job of providing protection, a roof gives your home its unique style and appearance. Roof styles typically reflect the location and climate of the home, as well as its architecture. Homes in warm, dry climates will tend to have low-sloping or even flat roofs, while the slanted saltbox roof favored in colonial New England served a very practical purpose: it was easy to add on to, and quickly shed rain and snow. Here are a few of the many New Hampshire roofing styles to consider for your new construction project.

• Gabled roof. The most common roof style in the United States and Europe, gabled roofs feature two symmetrical slopes that join at the top with two ends that form an ‘A’ shape. The roof pitch determines how much space is available in the attic.
• Cross-gabled roof. A cross-gabled roof features one or more sections built perpendicular to the main section of the house, allowing for a more complex layout.
• Hip roof. A four-sided roof where the ends gently slope upward from all sides of the building. Hip roofs perform well in wind-prone areas and allow rain and snow to easily run off.
• Cross-hipped roof. Usually used on a home with an L-shaped layout, the cross-hipped roof features two hipped sections that intersect. Like the classic hip roof, cross-hipped roofs are durable in many weather conditions, including hurricane-force winds.
• Saltbox roof. Originating in New England, a saltbox roof is a gabled roof with asymmetrical roof faces. A saltbox features two stories in the front, with the roof sloping down to one story in the back.

To learn more about the benefits and functionality of various roofing styles, contact AJC Roofing today at (877) 578-0494.

1. The contractor is properly insured.
Whether you need new roofing or repairs, it’s essential that any roofing contractor you hire carry insurance. Liability insurance protects your property in the event it is damaged by the contractor or his employees. Any roofing contractor you’re considering must also carry worker’s compensation insurance. This insurance will protect you should a worker be injured on your property.

2. The contractor backs his workmanship.
Most roofing materials include a guarantee, and so should your roofing contractor. Any work done by a New Hampshire roofer should be guaranteed for a minimum of one year. This guarantee MUST be in writing or it will not be legally valid.

3. The contractor provides a detailed written contract.
Don’t just take somebody’s word for it! Even the most seasoned NH roofers should sign a contract, detailing everything from project cost and payment schedule to estimated completion date. Another important item to specify in the contract is the type and brand of roof materials that will be used.

AJC Roofing offers all these benefits, and more! For over 25 years, our neighbors in Nashua, Manchester, Concord, Portsmouth and the surrounding towns have relied on us to keep their homes safe and secure. Contact AJC Roofing today at (877) 578-0494 for trustworthy advice and a FREE, no-obligation inspection.

Skylight shades allow you to channel the sunlight when you need it most and block out daylight whenever you choose. In the summer, shades diffuse direct sun and heat while permitting natural filtered light to enter a room. In the winter, skylight blinds are a great way to insulate your windows and prevent heat loss. The benefits of skylight shades include:

• Reduce your air conditioning bill in summer by blocking heat gain
• Provide an extra layer of insulation against excess energy loss in winter
• Minimize furniture and carpet fade due to UV rays
• Increased privacy
• Easy to install.

With the added convenience of skylight shades, you can enjoy natural light and comfort in your home all year long! AJC Roofing installs quality VELUX skylights, as well as the revolutionary VELUX SunTunnel, a tubular skylight that can bring light from the outside deep into your home. Call us today at (877) 578-0494 to schedule a FREE skylight estimate.

The key to a successful and worry-free roofing project is choosing the right New Hampshire roofing contractor to get the job done. AJC Roofing is one of only a few roofing contractors in NH to have completed an exclusive Master Elite™ factory certification program sponsored by GAF, the largest roofing manufacturer in North America. To become a certified GAF Master Elite™ roofing contractor, we had to show that we are fully licensed and insured, with an excellent local reputation for performing quality work. Our company is also provided with ongoing educational materials developed by GAF’s technical experts, which allows us to offer enhanced system warranties.

Consider these important facts before you choose a roofing contractor:
• 47% of all roof failures can be traced back to installation errors. By using a factory certified and trained roofing contractor, you can virtually eliminate this risk.
• Only the top 900 contractors out of 300,000 contractors across the country have achieved GAF Master Elite™ status.
• Because such a large percentage of roof problems are due to the contractor’s workmanship, using a uncertified contractor can void the manufacturer’s warranty.

Roofs installed by certified contractors with specialized training and factory certified status, and covered by enhanced system warranties, are the best choice available in today’s market. For repair or replacement of your home’s roofing system, call the certified professionals of AJC Roofing at (877) 578-0494.

1. Investigate the contractor’s track record. “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 insurance and licensing. “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. Get 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. The contractor could be from out of state, using his truck as his office.”
5. Get a written contract. “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. Be sure to read the fine print carefully.”

For the complete BBB article about avoiding spring home improvement scams, click here. For over 25 years, homeowners in Nashua, Manchester, Concord, Portsmouth and surrounding towns have relied on AJC Roofing. For a complete inspection and a FREE estimate on roof repair or replacement from the area’s most trusted roofing professional, call us at (877) 578-0494.