Roofing 101: Cedar Shake Shingles The natural beauty and corresponding curb appeal offered by a home with a cedar shake shingle roof is virtually unmatched. But what are the other advantages to this unique roofing approach, and what are the drawbacks? U.S. Exterior by Seidel, one of Chicagoland’s most experienced roofing contractors, goes in-depth to provide answers. Advantages of Cedar Shake Shingles As noted in the opening paragraph, cedar shake shingles possess a visual appeal all their own. Their texture, design, and natural composition resonate with most anyone who lays eyes on a...

Roofing 101: Metal Roofs Nowadays, advancements in roofing design and composition have bestowed chameleon-like qualities on a variety of different materials, one of which is metal roofing. Whereas in decades past, metal roofs found limited applications for buildings like sheds and storage facilities, 21st-century metal roofs can be designed to resemble tile, slate, shake, shingle, and more. The result is a versatile, durable roofing option that looks just as good gracing a Victorian as it does a Spanish Colonial. The Benefits of Metal Roofing As you might expect, metal roofing’s biggest...

Siding 101: Aluminum Composite Siding Everyone has heard of aluminum siding, but what about aluminum composite siding? As exterior siding technologies have advanced, a number of different siding options are now available to consumers. Aluminum composite siding is an up-and-coming product that offers some great benefits. Let’s explore. Aluminum Composite Siding – Benefits Durability is a key asset inherent to aluminum composite siding, and its superior “impact resistance” means a notable decrease in siding repair compared to other siding types. Flexibility is another big plus: with aluminum...

Siding 101: Wood Siding The ultimate testament to the popularity of genuine wood siding is the number of siding manufacturers that today try to mimic the appearance of real wood. And while some of these alternatives come close to mimicking actual wood siding in terms of look and texture, in the minds of professional exterior siding contractors like U.S. Exterior by Seidel in Buffalo Grove, nothing compares to the real thing. The Benefits of Wood Siding The natural, classic beauty of real wood siding has appealed to home builders for millennia. And when siding contractors have access to...

Gutters 101: When Is the Right Time to Replace Your Gutters? Regardless of whether your home has copper, steel, or aluminum seamless gutters, there will come a time when replacement is required. When is the right time to seek new gutters and expert gutter installation in Chicago? Consider the following tips from U.S. Exterior by Seidel. Rotting Exterior Wood When gutters wear out, one of the biggest problems posed is their inability to keep water from soaking a home’s exterior wood trim elements: door jambs, window sills, and the like. Repeated exposure to cascading water during thunderstorms...

Windows 101: Wood Windows   Wood windows might be expensive, but for many homeowners the cost is worth it, considering the many advantages offered. What are these advantages, and what are the drawbacks pertinent to wood windows? Our professional window contractors in Buffalo Grove explain. Wood Windows – Advantages Aesthetics Simply put, wood windows look great. In many people’s opinion, he classy, natural look of wood outshines that of other treatments like metal or vinyl. In fact, alternative approaches often times try to mimic the look of authentic wood, but if your budget allows...