About This Blog Hynes Construction helps homeowners in Ardmore and the Main Line prepare their homes for winter by strengthening the exterior envelope to reduce drafts stop moisture and lower energy bills.

Why Exterior Protection Matters in Winter

Cold weather puts pressure on every part of your home. The exterior envelope includes siding stucco windows and seals that keep warm air inside. When these areas are weak cold air and moisture enter easily.

Air Leaks Cause the Biggest Energy Loss

Most winter heat loss comes from air leaks not insulation. Small gaps around windows siding and trim allow warm air to escape. Sealing these areas improves comfort and lowers heating costs quickly.

The Role of Caulking and Weatherstripping

Caulking and weatherstripping are simple upgrades that create immediate results. They block drafts reduce moisture entry and help your heating system work more efficiently.

Why Stucco and Siding Need Inspection

Small stucco cracks become serious during freeze and thaw cycles. Water enters freezes and expands causing damage beneath the surface. Siding inspections help catch hidden moisture before it leads to costly repairs.

Long Term Efficiency Upgrades

Rigid exterior insulation strengthens the entire wall system. It improves comfort protects the structure and delivers long term energy savings.

About This Blog Hynes Construction helps homeowners in Ardmore and the Main Line understand how covered and uncovered decks perform during winter weather.

Winter Weather and Your Deck

Snow ice and freeze thaw cycles put heavy stress on decks. Covered and uncovered decks handle these conditions very differently.

Material Protection in Winter

Wood and composite decking last longer under a covered structure. A roof reduces moisture exposure and helps prevent cracking warping and fading.

Drainage Makes a Big Difference

Covered decks allow better drainage by keeping water off the surface. Uncovered decks often trap moisture leading to rot and hidden structural damage.

Snow and Ice Safety

Covered decks stay drier and safer with little winter cleanup. Uncovered decks collect snow and ice making them slippery and harder to maintain.

Maintenance and Long Term Cost

Covered decks require less maintenance and fewer repairs over time. Uncovered decks usually need more frequent upkeep and repairs.

Freeze Thaw Damage in Pennsylvania

Water freezing inside small cracks causes expansion and damage. Covered decks offer better protection against repeated freeze thaw cycles.

Hynes Construction helps homeowners get their properties ready for winter storms with simple and effective late fall preparation tips that protect your home from cold weather damage.

Late fall is the perfect time to prepare your home for the cold months ahead. Before snow and ice settle in it is important to check every part of your exterior so that small issues do not turn into costly repairs. A little preparation now can save you from roof leaks frozen gutters and damage caused by heavy snow.

Key Steps to Prepare Your Home for Winter

Clean Your Gutters Clear gutters keep water flowing smoothly and prevent ice buildup that can damage your roof and walls.

Inspect Your Roof Check for missing cracked or loose shingles. Even small gaps can let in moisture which can freeze and cause leaks.

Seal and Protect Your Deck A sealed deck stands strong against snow ice and moisture. This helps prevent wood rot and extends the life of your outdoor space.

Check Insulation and Ventilation Proper insulation keeps your home warm while good ventilation prevents moisture buildup in the attic.

Preparing your home now ensures your space stays safe strong and ready for winter storms.

Stay Safe and Winter Ready

Late fall preparation is the key to a stress free winter. With the right checks and simple fixes your home will be protected from the first snowfall to the last melt.

In Berwyn, Pennsylvania, owning a deck is a fantastic improvement to your home. It creates a place for leisure and outdoor enjoyment and raises the value of your house. However, to keep it looking its best, a deck needs regular maintenance and repair just like any other feature of your house. Here is a checklist of deck repairs you may use to make sure your deck is ready for summer.

Use this checklist to get more out your deck

Make sure the structure is sound

Verifying the structural soundness of your deck is the first and most crucial step on your deck repair checklist. Your deck’s safety and usefulness are dependent on its structural soundness. Look for rotten timber, cracked or loose boards, and corroded nails. Call a reputable deck repair firm right away to get any of these problems fixed if you see them.

Sanitize the deck

Maintaining your deck requires regular cleaning. Start by clearing the surface of any dirt or debris, including any loose leaves, twigs, or other objects. Then, using a patio cleaner, get rid of any mildew or stains that might have accumulated over time. Request advice from a patio repair firm if you’re unsure which cleaner to use.

Inspect the handrail

Your patio’s railings serve both functional and ornamental purposes. They act as a safety barrier, particularly in households where there are kids or pets. Verify that the railing is solid, secure, and free from rot or decay. To make sure your deck is secure and compliant with regulations, contact a deck installation company to replace or fix damaged railings.

Replace or fix the deck boards

Decking planks deteriorate over time, especially in locations with lots of traffic. Look for loose or warped boards as well as rot or decay in the deck’s planks. To ensure that your deck looks and performs at its best, you can have damaged boards replaced or repaired with the aid of a competent roof deck repair business.

Keep an eye out for water damage

Another thing you need to do is to inspect your deck for water damage. Look for any signs of water damage, such as warping or mushy patches. Due to the high amounts of humidity and precipitation in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, decks frequently experience water damage.

For professional grade deck repairs, call Hire Hynes Construction in Berwyn, PA

Spring's arrival brings warmer weather, thawed ground, and the ideal conditions for building your dream deck! Here's why spring is the champion season for deck installation:

Pleasant Working Conditions: Spring offers comfortable temperatures for both you and the construction crew, leading to a smoother and more efficient building process.

Curing Advantage: Spring's moderate temperatures allow for optimal curing of deck materials, ensuring a long-lasting and stable deck.

Early Enjoyment: By starting your deck project in spring, it'll be ready for use sooner, allowing you to maximize your outdoor enjoyment throughout the summer.

Beat the Rush: Spring is often less busy for deck contractors compared to the peak summer season. This translates to potentially better scheduling availability and potentially faster project completion.

Ready to transform your backyard into a haven for relaxation and entertainment? If you're a homeowner in Ardmore, contact Hynes Construction, your local deck builder, at 610-880-3890 today! 

Are you considering repairing or replacing your siding to enhance the appearance and integrity of your home’s exterior? Choosing the right siding contractor is a critical decision in order to ensure the right quality and outcome. So how do you find the right contractor for your siding project? Simple, by asking all the right questions. Here’s a list of all the important questions you need to ask a potential siding contractor to find out whether they’re skilled, experienced and more importantly, right for your home. 

Questions to ask your siding contractor

Are you licensed and insured?

Among the first things to do is to confirm that the siding contractor is licensed to work in your area and carries the necessary insurance. Having the necessary licenses and insurance will  protect both you and the contractor in case of accidents or unexpected issues.

Can you provide references?

Ask for references of previous customers, as this enables you to speak to homeowners like you and understand their perspective of the quality of work delivered by the contractor. A reputable siding contractor will have no qualms in providing you with a list of clients who can vouch for their work.

What types of siding do you offer?

There’s a variety of siding materials and it’s important to know which best suits your home. Inquire about the different siding materials the contractor specializes in or works with. This might include options like vinyl, fiber cement, wood, or stucco. Discuss the pros and cons of each to determine which is best for your home.

Do you have experience with this type of siding?

Siding contractors generally come with expertise and experience that applies to particular siding materials. If you have a specific siding in mind for your home, it’s necessary to check if the contractor has experience working with that material. A contractor who specializes in vinyl siding, for example, may not be the best choice for wood siding installation.

What is the timeline for the project?

The pace of your siding project will vary from contractor to contractor, and depends on factors like team strength, skills & experience, tools & equipment as well as schedule & commitment. 

Ask the contractor for the start and completion dates for your siding project. This will enable you to compare timelines and then go for the contractor with the most reasonable timeline. 

What is the cost estimate?

Your new siding project has to fit in the budget that you have in mind. Asking contractors for quotes with a detailed breakdown of the project’s cost will allow you to know the going rate in the market, and also identify contractors who offer quality work at affordable rates. Make sure to ask about any additional expenses that are likely to arise during the project to avoid surprises later on.

Do you offer warranty or guarantees?

It may happen that the siding you have installed turns out defective or the work carried out by the contractor develops problems soon after completion. It’s important therefore, to ask about warranties or guarantees provided by the contractor, which will protect you from the costs of material replacement or additional labor required to correct an improperly done job. 

Will you handle permits and inspections?

Initiating a home improvement project will necessitate permits and entail inspections during the course of the project. Make sure the contractor has the experience and resources to handle the due process for your siding project. 

How will you address unexpected issues?

It’s necessary to prepare for unforeseen contingencies rather than try and deal with them when they happen. Ask the contractor if they have a plan for unexpected issues or snags that may arise during the project. A reliable contractor should have a plan for addressing and resolving any challenges.

Can you provide a written contract?

When it’s on paper or email, it cannot be disputed or denied. Always request a written contract that outlines all project details, including materials, costs, timelines, and warranties. A clear contract protects both you and the contractor.

Are You Familiar with Local Building Codes?

Siding projects must often adhere to local building codes and regulations. Check with the contractor if they’re conversant with the rules and mandates applicable in your area. A knowledgeable contractor should be well-versed in these requirements to ensure proper compliance and uninterrupted work on your property. 

How will you protect my property?

Home improvement projects, if handled inefficiently, may end up causing damage to the property. Ask about the safety measures the contractor will take to protect your property during the siding installation, including landscaping, neighboring structures, and your exterior home siding.

What’s your cleanup process?

A siding replacement or installation will enhance the appearance and integrity of your home, but it will also generate quite a bit of mess and debris along the way. Discuss how the contractor plans to clean up the worksite after the project is complete. A tidy cleanup will get your property looking its best after the siding installation.

Hynes Construction – Your trusted siding contractor