FAQs

Siding FAQ

Is vinyl siding maintenance free?

Not exactly. Vinyl siding doesn’t need to be painted or re-caulked, but it could use occasional washing. You can use a garden hose or a power washer on a gentle setting to remove dirt and debris from siding at least once a year. Be careful not to dislodge the panels or get water underneath them.

What is exposure?

Exposure is the visible part of siding in lap siding where boards are installed with an overlap. It’s important to know the desired exposure before you order the boards or shingles, because it ultimately determines how much material you will need. A one-inch difference in exposure can also create an entirely different visual effect. Be sure to consult with a siding professional if you don’t have experience in purchasing siding.

Can siding be replaced in winter?

Yes it can be, but it may take us a bit longer to complete the project depending on the weather conditions. However, if you are installing the type of siding that needs painting, we recommend waiting until the weather warms up to ensure the paint applies smooth and dries fast.

Company FAQ

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes. Platinum Exteriors holds a MHIC license #95599, as well as general liability insurance and other appropriate insurance policies that protect our workers and equipment. We are happy to say that in our lengthy career no worker has been seriously injured on the job.

Which steps do you take to protect my home?

Some exterior remodeling projects can be messy, especially when it comes to roof replacement. We take care to cover the areas around your home, including your AC unit and driveway. Hundreds of nails are removed when roofing comes off and we do our best to have them contained. After the project is finished, we clean up after ourselves and inspect the area to ensure all debris was removed. If we need to do some work indoors, we’ll leave the area spotless after we are done.

Why should I hire Platinum Exteriors?

Customers choose us time after time because of the quality of our workmanship, friendly customer service, affordable rates and the pride we take in our work. We’ve been remodeling exteriors on Maryland homes for over a decade now and were able to systematize our process, which allowed us to do the work faster and more efficiently. We strive to build relationships with our customers and are always happy to answer your questions and explain our approach. Check out our reviews on HomeAdvisor to see what our clients are saying.

Roofing FAQ

Can I install new roofing on top of the old one?

This is generally not recommended. It’s best to remove old roofing first to make sure there are no other dry rot or structural issues that need to be addressed. In addition to that, layering several roofing materials may lead to a ventilation problem, as well as create a very heavy roof. Metal roofing is the only lightweight material that may be installed over an existent roof, but be sure to talk to your Maryland roofing contractor first.

How are roofs installed?

A roof starts with a roof deck, which is a skeleton of the entire structure made of wooden rafters. Plywood is nailed to the rafters to create a smooth and even roof surface. The roof deck is then covered with underlayment—a leak barrier to keep the moisture out. Roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles, metal, etc., are nailed on top of the underlayment. Then flashings are installed around the chimney, plumbing vents and at the edges to ensure no gaps remain.

What does roof replacement entail?

When a roof is replaced, how much of the original installation is removed will depend on the extent of the damage. A complete replacement means that the roof is stripped down to the rafters and a new roofing system is laid. If the plywood is in good shape or can be spot-repaired, new underlayment and roofing is laid to replace the old ones. Underlayment almost always has to be replaced if the roof covering is removed, due to all the tears that occur in the process.

Have other questions we didn’t cover? Feel free to give us a call or contact online.