Stains or dripping water on interior walls

If you are noticing stains or dripping water on interior walls, then you may want to call Home Tech Exterior for an inspection ASAP.

FREE Roof Inspection & Estimate by our HAAG Certified Roof Professionals for MD, VA, DC, PA, NJ Homes and Beyond!
Tired of patching leaks and replacing shingles? If you have a faulty system, you could be in danger of everything from water damage to mold! One call to us and you’ll be on the path towards a solid, dependable roof. Give us a ring at (301) 637-9019 for your next project in the city as well as in Laurel, Columbia, Germantown, or the Silver Spring area.

How Solar Power Works

James Hardie Vertical Siding

At HomeTech we offer the highest quality products around - including James Hardie Vertical Siding!

Re-siding your house with HardiePanel vertical siding—or combining it with HardiePlank® lap siding—is sure to add visual punch to your design.

The beauty of HardiePanel vertical siding is that it is unique without being too trendy. Crisp, clean lines make it a smart choice for strong, contemporary designs.

Take the Select Cedarmill for instance:

Looking for a different texture? Try out the Sierra 8:

 

Check out more of the selection here, and give us a call to schedule your installation today!

Ventilation

Many homes have exterior ventilation, that are a component to structure of the roof.  Water leaks in the ceiling may also have been attributed to ventilation that has rusted nails, weathered or warped materials.  This also contributes to the efficiency of your homes cooling and heating costs, not to mention the potential danger of black mold.  If this is not addressed in time, it may cost homeowners thousands of dollars that may have been prevented by just replacing an exterior ventilation.  Proper attic ventilation can also help in reducing monthly heating and cooling costs all year round.  Call us for a free estimate and have the professionals come out and thoroughly help in saving you money!

Benefits of new windows

1. Replacement Windows Save You Money Now and Later

Purchasing new windows might seem costly at first glance, but after evaluating your monthly energy savings year after year, it’s one of the best home improvements you can make. Older, single-pane windows are often the source of up to 30 percent of your home's heat loss. In contrast, energy-efficient replacement windows are designed specifically to keep heat in or out, depending on the season.
Additional Features of New Replacement Windows

• New windows keep extreme weather outside. Energy-efficient windows can reduce the demand on your heating and cooling systems by up to 25 percent allowing you to make your home more comfortable at a lower cost.
• Premium window insulation. Double- or triple-pane replacement windows are now filled with gas, typically argon or krypton, to help keep air from escaping your home.
• “Low-e” (low thermal emissivity) windows have a very thin coating applied to the glass. This coating reflects various solar waves, such as long-wave infrared energy (or heat) from the sun, keeping your home more comfortable. Combined with double- or triple-pane glass and argon or krypton gas, low-e coatings can significantly improve the thermal efficiency of your windows.

Not only will you see immediate savings in your monthly costs, but you might be able to receive instant savings offered through rebates for new windows from your utility company. You may also be able to claim a deduction on your income taxes for your energy-efficient replacement windows.

2. New Windows Will Increase Your Home's Worth

If you replace your windows tomorrow and sell your home the following day, you will be able to recoup the majority of your cost. That alone makes it a worthy investment.
There are other monetary benefits of new windows. Your property value may increase, which also increases your resale value. An often overlooked benefit of replacement windows is curb appeal. The ever-increasing selection of window types, sizes, colors, hardware finishes and styles allows you to match your windows to your home's design or update its look. The continuity of your home's appearance can greatly influence the appraisal of your home. Curb appeal can make or break the sale of a home.
Additionally, replacement windows with multiple locks can also lower your insurance costs. This added value also increases appeal to a potential homebuyer. Emotional security certainly adds to the appeal and perceived worth of your home.

3. The Comfort of Replacement Windows

Your home is your castle. It's the place you live, learn and grow. It's the place you go for comfort. The benefits of replacement windows are far greater than the cost. They improve your home’s overall environment with benefits like natural light, noise reduction, improved views and custom style. New windows can offer UV protection for walls, fabrics, flooring and furniture, which lengthens the life and quality of your home's interior. They also require very little maintenance, allowing you more time for activities you enjoy. Consider the benefits of new windows for your home and how they can improve your quality of life.

7 Warning Signs You Need a New Roof

Is it time to repair or replace your old roof? Look for these red flags before calling a roofer.

Most homeowners figure they need a new roof after they spot a leak in their ceiling. This leak could be due to many different roofing problems. But, what factors really determine whether a roof repair will solve the problem or the house needs a roof replacement?
Here are some tips to help you determine if you need a new roof:

1. Roof age

How old is your existing asphalt shingle roof? Most experts agree that a typical roof will last between 20 and 25 years. It also depends on whether the old roof was removed and you only have one layer of shingles, and if it is properly ventilated. If the roof was installed over another layer or several layers and it is older than 20 years, chances are you need a new roof.

2. Shingles curling and buckling

Shingles that are curled or buckling are another sign that you may need a new roof. Look at the slopes of your home that get direct sunlight and if you notice the shingles are curling and losing granules, it could mean the shingles are past their life expectancy. There could also be a possibility that the roof is defective. Contact a licensed roofing contractor to see if you could be eligible for reimbursement.

3. Roof valleys

If your roof shingles are falling apart or missing in this area, it's a definite sign you need a new roof. Valleys are one of the most important areas of your roof. Snow and rain flow through valleys and into gutters. If the valley is compromised, you could be susceptible to roof leaks.

4. Missing shingles

These are another sign your roof could be failing. Check to see if all of the shingle “tabs” are intact.

5. Chimney flashing

This is another area to be concerned about. If your flashing consists of roof cement or tar, it may need to be replaced with a long-term, water-tight fitting, which would be a metal flashing system.

6. Shingle granules in the gutters

Look in your gutters to see whether they are loaded up with shingle granules. Roofs tend to lose more granules toward the end of their life cycle. Inconsistant or darker color on some parts of the roof is another sign the granules have worn away.

7. Daylight through the roof boards

You notice a spongy feel or trampoline bounce when walking on the roof, which means the underlying decking is weakened from moisture. Check your attic to see if there is any daylight coming through the roof boards. Also check for moisture in the insulation.

What to do During Floods

What to do during minor flooding

Use the following guidelines to stay safe during minor flooding:

• Stay Informed – monitor local conditions and be aware of the situation
• Farmers should prepare to move machinery and livestock to higher ground
• Tune into your emergency broadcasters: ABC Local Radio, commercial radio and designated community radio stations, or SKY NEWS Television
• Ensure your family members and neighbours are aware of the situation
• Floodwater is dangerous – never drive, walk or ride through floodwater
• Floodwater is toxic – never play or swim in floodwater

What to do during moderate flooding

Use the following guidelines to stay safe during moderate flooding:

• Act Quickly – conditions can change rapidly
• Farmers should move machinery and livestock to higher ground if it is still safe to do so
• Tune into your emergency broadcasters: ABC Local Radio, commercial radio and designated community radio stations, or SKY NEWS Television
• If you are likely to become isolated, make sure you have enough food, drinking water, medications and pet food
• Floodwater is dangerous – never drive, walk or ride through floodwater
• Floodwater is toxic – never play or swim in floodwater

What to do during major flooding

Use the following guidelines to stay safe during major flooding:

• Act Quickly – conditions can change rapidly
• Be prepared to evacuate if advised by authorities
• If you are likely to become isolated, make sure that you have enough food, water, medication and pet food, and be aware that you may need to live without power, water and sewerage
• Raise belongings by placing them on tables, beds and benches, or move them to higher ground
• Tune into your emergency broadcasters: ABC Local Radio, commercial radio and designated community radio stations, or SKY NEWS Television
• Block toilets, household drains, sinks and plugs to stop sewerage backflow
• Floodwater is dangerous – never drive, walk or ride through floodwater
• Floodwater is toxic – never play or swim in floodwater

What to do if you need to evacuate

Use the following guidelines during an evacuation:

• Act Now – take immediate precautions to protect your life and property
• Raise belongings by placing them on tables, beds and benches, or move them to higher ground
• Collect together medicines, important documents, mementos, photos and pets and take them with you when you evacuate
• Take three days’ supply of clothing and medications with you
• Turn off electricity and gas at the mains and lock you doors and windows when you evacuate
• Remaining in your home or business during flooding is dangerous and may put your life at risk

How To Prepare For Hail Storms In Advance

Planning ahead can mean the difference between extensive damage and minor remediable problems. A proper preventive strategy will help you considerably reduce the negative effects of inevitable summer storms. Here are the right steps to take in order to prevent hail damage.

Prepare Your Home and Outdoor Area for a Hailstorm

The condition of your property is one of the most consequential factors in determining the amount of damage a hail storm will inflict on your personal belongings. The integrity of your roof should be your primary concern for it will keep you safe during a storm.

• Inspect and maintain your roof. Inspect your roof regularly and take immediate measures if you notice a problem. Replace broken or damaged shingles without delay and consider installing ones rated as class 3 or 4 which have been proven to withstand harsh hail. Do not neglect seemingly minor defects that may make your roof susceptible to hail damage. Make sure the overall condition of your chimney is good and that it can be properly closed if necessary, and take effective measures to better protect your roof. If you consider an imminent renovation project, you are advised to opt for impact resisting roofing to further reduce eventual hail damage and secure your home.
• Keep your trees and shrubbery well-trimmed. It is very important to eliminate the risk of trees or branches falling on your home during a storm. Maintain all the trees and shrubbery in your yard but pay special attention to branches that are directly over your roof or too close to your windows – in the event of a storm they are most likely to damage your home. Strong wind and hail stones can easily break any weak or dry branches, so be prudent enough to remove them in time.
• Properly maintain your outdoor area and avoid potentially dangerous materials. It is not only falling trees and branches that may cause severe damage to your home – all kinds of debris such as decorative or waste materials blown by the fierce winds during a hailstorm pose a great risk. So keep your outdoor area clean and safe (make it a rule to keep woodpiles under a shed away from the house, etc.). What’s more, you are advised to replace rock or gravel landscaping material with shredded bark or other safe pieces that will cause no harm even when blown by strong winds.
• Keep gutters and drainpipes clear of leaves and debris. Make sure water can drain quickly or your home may sustain water damage in addition to the typical hail damage.

On the Job

Keeping your home and family safe and comfortable in all weather conditions is the important job done by your roof. That’s why you need a reliable Germantown roofing company like HomeTech Exteriors on the job.

HomeTech Exteriors is a GAF-certified Germantown roofer, which means you get the advantages of a quality roofing system from the world’s leading roofing manufacturer, professionally installed by the area’s top roofing company. All backed by industry-leading warranties to provide peace of mind and assurance that your roof will deliver many years of service.

How to Use the Sun to Lower Your Energy Costs

Constantly rising energy costs are taking a toll on the wallets of all Maryland homeowners. Paying to heat and cool your home year ‘round is an expensive venture, and the structure of your home could be hemorrhaging your hard earned money. That is where HomeTech comes in. Our Maryland solar roofing service is designed to immediately and dramatically decrease the amount of energy that you need to pay for, all by harnessing the natural energy produced by the sun.

As one of the leading solar roofing contractors in Frederick MD, and all of Maryland, HomeTech installs solar roofing for purposes beyond just saving you money, however. We also believe we have a responsibility for our environment, and that by installing solar roofing, Maryland, we are just doing our due diligence. We take great pride in providing solar roofing to homes all over Maryland, from Columbia to Silver Spring. Roofing is our passion, and solar roofing is just another reason that HomeTech is the roofing company in Maryland that home and business owners trust first.

Beautiful, Energy Efficient Siding from the MD Roofing Experts

Is the cost of heating or cooling your Maryland home rising month after month? The cause of your increasing costs could be leaks and cracks in the structure of your home, gaps that are letting the costly energy escape to the outdoors. Whether it is hot air in the winter or cool air in the summer, you are paying for energy that your home can not properly hold in. At HomeTech, we are the roofing contractors Maryland residents turn to for low maintenance siding from CertainTeed and Mastic.

Must-do Winter Home Maintenance To-dos

1. Roof and gutters. When snow on the roof melts because your attic is too warm, it freezes and forms ice dams. Pooling water from the melting ice can cause leaks and mold in your home. Clean gutters of debris that can cause water to back up and freeze. Sweep snow from the roof and eaves as soon as possible after a significant snowfall. If you get a lot of snow each winter, install an Ice and Water Shield barrier 32" wide along the gutter edges of the roof -- between the decking and shingles -- to prevent leaks.
2. Attic. Inspect for properly installed insulation, which should be keeping heat in your house but not in your attic. Proper attic ventilation can let cold outside air into the attic to help the roof stay cold enough for snow to evaporate rather than melting and refreezing. Otherwise, the continual cycle of melting, freezing and forming ice dams can cause damage from water dripping not only through the roof but around windows and through your exterior walls. If your furnace is in the attic, you may need more insulation between the attic and the roof to keep the roof colder.

Happy New Year!

Indoor Winter House Cleaning & Organizing

Kitchen Cabinets: While you’re stuck indoors in winter weather, take the opportunity to give your kitchen cabinets a good cleaning to remove any grease and grime. To make the job easy, spray on a little orange oil cleaner to cut the grease, then wipe the cabinets clean with a wet sponge that’s been microwaved about 40 seconds. Be sure to wear gloves so you don’t burn your hands! The combination of citrus oil and hot water will make short work of grease on cabinets. To see how it’s done, check out our video on Removing Grease from Kitchen Cabinets. 

Stovetop and Oven: Citrus-based cleaner also works great for cleaning your stove. Start by removing the burners and pans, then give the stovetop a good cleaning using the same hot sponge method. Be sure to remove and clean the knobs and the surface behind them as well. For stubborn stains, sprinkle a little baking soda and scrub. While you’re at it, be sure to clean your oven with a commercial oven cleaner, following the instructions. For a greener option, sprinkle the bottom of the oven with baking soda, spritz with water, let it sit overnight, then scrub it clean. 

The Window Brand HomeTech Counts On

HomeTech has a longstanding partnership with Soft Lite that allows us to offer our clients both their energy efficient replacement windows as well as their extensive warranties. For more information on Soft Lite windows, visit their website. Or better yet, give the MD roofing and replacement windows experts at HomeTech a call and set up a FREE in-home consultation. Click on the link below to visit the Soft Lite website:

• Soft Lite

HomeTech also has a longstanding partnership with Crystal “Commercial Grade” Windows for all different type of applications and requirements. Click on the link below to visit the Crystal Windows website:

• Crystal Windows

What to Winterize Now, Soon or Later in Your Home

Now, You Should…

Insulate windows: Keep cold air out by lining each windowpane with an insulating film. Don’t worry about it looking tacky; the plastic can have a barely there finish when applied correctly.

Change the furnace filter: Buildup can make your furnace work overtime, which may reduce its life and inflate your heating bill. Change the filter every few months or whenever you can no longer see light through it.

Block drafts: You can save 5 to 30 percent on home energy costs by reducing drafts, according to data from the U.S. Department of Energy. Invest in door draft blockers—they’re inexpensive and easy to install.

Soon, You Should…

Change out your wardrobe: As you make room for winter clothes, assess your summer outfits before you pack them away. Toss what’s ripped and hopelessly stained, donate what no longer fits your body or style, and place what’s left in space-saving bags.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! From our family to yours!

Rest Your Fears About Hosting Thanksgiving

As the host of Thanksgiving dinner, you will have plenty on your plate to be concerned about. But thanks to these tips, the things that could possibly go wrong probably won’t. Relax—have a drink. You got this.

What If I Don’t Have Enough Food?

Thanksgiving nightmare No. 1  is running out of food, as guests clamor for another helping of green bean casserole. You don’t have to guesstimate the amount of food you need to feed your crowd. Simply plug in your number of guests here and you’ll have your shopping list. Wondering how big of a turkey to buy? The USDA recommends 1 pound per person. And check out our breakdown of turkey types to help you choose the best one.

What If All the Food Isn’t Ready at the Same Time?

The turkey is getting cold on the counter while the yams are still rock-hard in the oven. Your quickest solution is a warming tray to keep items ready for the table as you pull together the meal’s remaining dishes. When possible, make menu components in advance and then reheat as needed.

Expert Cleaning Hacks That Make Walls Sparkle

Your Checklist For Less Stressful Mornings

Scrambled eggs burning in a skillet; kids ransacking the house in search of missing shoes and homework; rushed conversations with your spouse about conflicting schedules. … Mornings can bring a whirlwind of activity that generates a lot of stress.

How do you keep from feeling dizzy and exhausted before breakfast? Start by making a checklist. Lists can’t solve all of life’s challenges (it pains me to admit this), but they certainly work for some. And I happen to have one that can transform your mornings: