Our team at Harris Roofing, Siding, Windows & Doors has been hard at work preparing to open our new location off of Northwest Highway in Barrington, IL. Join us for two days of fun, activities, and food.

OH! Did we forget to mention that there would be hourly drawings for prizes as well.

You could win tickets to go see our World Series Champion Cubs and many other awesome prizes.

9 Most Common Causes Of Roof Leaks And How To Identify Them

Let's be honest most homes or buildings will at some point have a leak in the roof, and running for a bucket every time it rains is not the most ideal solution. Not every leak requires a whole roof replacement to fix the issue either. Our team has collected the 9 most common causes of roof leaks to protect your home.

Whether your roof is brand new or 15 years old, you should keep this list at hand. Identifying these problems early can mean the difference between a small repair and a large remodel.

1. You Have Cracked flashing

Identifying the issue: Flashing are thin layers of metal that are installed under the shingles and joints of your roof. These can either be concealed or exposed. Broken flashing usually features large cracks

2. The Vent Booting Is Cracked

Identifying the issue: Roof vents look like small domes or pipes sticking out of your roof. They are used primarily to expel moisture from your attic. You can identify if there is a leak by checking for dark spots or musty odors in your roof or attic.

3. The Roof Valleys Arent Sealed Properly

Identifying the issue: A Valley is any point in which two different planes of your roof meet. Since these areas are usually sloped, if they are not sealed properly rainwater can get inside as it runs down the roof. Search for wet spots along the seams of your roof to identify leaks.

4. The Skylights Are Installed Incorrectly

Identifying the issue: Leaks such as this should be super easy to spot. If there is consistently a pool of water or small drips coming from the area surrounding the skylight, there may be a leak. However leaks occurring near the highest point can be a flashing issue rather than a sealing issue.

5. You Have Clogged Gutters

Identifying the issue: Usually you can identify this when water pours over the side of your gutters rather than following its intended path. Another way to identify this is to check your downspouts when it is raining. If there is little to no water being expelled the downspout may be clogged.

6. The Chimney Is Cracked

Identifying the issue: Most of the time you can look for signs of wear and tear along the mortar or flashing where the chimney meets the roof. Damaged shingles and dark spots can occur where the chimney is leaking.

7. There Are Broken Or Deteriorating Shingles

Identifying the issue: By regularly looking at your roof for large changes in color and missing shingles you can identify this easily. Often times a broken shingle will appear as a slightly off color or lighter spot on your roof.

8. There Is Buildup On The Roof

Identifying the issue: If there are leaves or other materials blocking valleys and joints in your roof water can pool causing the sealant to deteriorate and cause leaks.

9. There's Condensation In The Attic

Identifying the issue:The space will most likely show signs of mold and mildew. A strong, musty odor coming from the attic is also an indicator that water has made its way inside.

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Spring Has Sprung and Now is the Time to Replace Your Windows

If you're in the Barrington, IL area, you're close to our newest showroom! Now that spring has arrived it is the perfect time to update and replace your old, worn out, and inefficient home windows. With predictions about this summer being very warm, if you upgrade your windows you'll have a leg up on those high bills to keep the home cool.

In addition to helping you save money, upgrading your windows will increase the value of your home so you will not only have lower bills but they will more than pay for themselves in the long run.

For more information follow the links below and we look forward to helping you save money!

Doors leading from your garage to your home, patio doors and sliding glass doors can all become damaged over time. Established in the Chicago area for more than 16 years, Harris Exteriors and More, Inc. knows that entry doors are subject to the Midwest’s changing weather. Extremes from hot, humid summers to snowy winters with freezing temperatures can take a toll on wood or steel doors in the form of warping, cracking or rusting. The door may stick and become hard to open and close. It might not lock easily because it no longer sits properly in the frame. There might be gaps in the frame due to poor fit. An inefficient door can increase your heating and cooling bills, possibly shortening the life of your HVAC system.

The result of daily use and abuse on wood or steel doors can detract from your home’s curb appeal in the form of scratches, cracks, dents or rust. In addition, worn hardware, hinges, and damaged or missing weather stripping and kick plates indicate an outdated system that could compromise your home’s security.

Replacing an entry door yields a significant return on investment with some studies indicating a return as high as 91 percent! In shopping for a new door system, do your research online, then visit one of Harris Exteriors and More, Inc.’s showrooms in either Streamwood or Glen Ellyn to view some of the choices you're considering.

Fiberglass doors are a practical option for most people; they are moderately priced, dent-resistant, and require little maintenance. While a smooth, paintable surface is available, an embossed wood-grain texture is more common. Some doors’ edges are notched to make them look even more like wood.

Fiberglass doors that are Energy Star-qualified are independently tested and certified. They often have tighter-fitting frames and are built with a polyurethane foam core to insulate against cold and heat. An adjustable threshold will help keep the door weather-tight over time by sealing out rain and drafts.

If you choose anything other than a solid panel door, select double- or triple-panel insulating glass to help reduce heat transfer. Privacy glass levels are determined by calculating the amount and placement of the textures in a specific design. Transparent glass offers the least amount of privacy by allowing unobstructed views in and out of the home. Combining clear and opaque glass in the design results in partial obscurity and a medium level of privacy. Opaque or highly textured glass gives the highest level of privacy by allowing the view of shadows and colors but no distinguishable shapes.

Harris Exteriors and More, Inc.’s showrooms in Streamwood and Glen Ellyn proudly feature doors by Therma-Tru and Waudena Millwork, two established industry leaders that are located in the Midwest. These vendors offer custom colors as well as a full range of popular paint or stain colors so you can easily achieve the look you want. Due to differences in computer monitor calibration, it is best to look at sample colors in person.

The framing around the door will need to be redone if you’re adding sidelights or a transom. These are significant changes best completed by a professional contractor. Harris Exteriors and More, Inc.is an established and financially stable company whose team has over 150 years of combined industry experience and knowledge. We will gladly provide you with references regarding previous door installations.

Entry doors greet your guests and offer a preview of what lies inside. Your door should make a statement that is consistent with the rest of your home. Let Harris Exteriors and More, Inc. help you say something new. Visit one of our showrooms today!

“Buy low, sell high.” Owners who intend to sell their homes often make improvements designed to maximize their profit. Reasons vary, but most homeowners said they want to upgrade worn-out areas, while others want to add features and improve livability. Still others might be tired of their home’s current look & simply want a change.

Realtors agree that new roofing, new vinyl windows and new siding are most appealing to potential buyers and add to a home’s resale value. Upon resale, new roofing is thought to recover 105% of its project cost, while new vinyl siding would recover 83% and new vinyl windows bring back 80% of the cost.

Even if you have no intention of relocating in the foreseeable future, though, remodeling can significantly add to the enjoyment you derive from your home by achieving a long-held goal or vision. Homeowners not intending to sell mention new fiber-cement siding, new fiberglass or steel front doors and new roofing as improvements that most enhanced the comfort they felt in their homes.

Whatever the reasons for making home improvements, it is important to choose a reputable remodeler. NARI, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, is an organization of highly qualified remodeling contractors, product manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, trade publications, utilities and lending institutions. NARI members have access to the latest information in the industry through online publications and ongoing educational programs and conferences. Its members are committed to enhancing the professionalism of their industry as well as serving as allies to homeowners.

Plan your project carefully in order to increase the value of your investment. Be objective when evaluating your property. Think of what repairs are necessary vs what improvements you want to make. Think of your future needs: will your family be expanding soon? How long do you intend to stay in the house? A professional contractor will help by outlining your options and discussing the choices that are available within your budget. Equally important is to review your homeowner’s insurance policy and make any necessary changes for your home’s added value.

So how does one go about choosing a qualified, professional remodeler? NARI has the following tips for finding a qualified, professional remodeler:

• Employ a contractor with an established business in your area. Check their reputation with online services such as Yelp & Google Reviews or with a government agency such as the Better Business Bureau or the Consumer Protection Office. The remodeler you are considering should be willing to provide references.

• Ask friends, family and coworkers who have recently remodeled about their experience. Was the remodeler helpful, reliable and respectful of their time and home? Were the stated time frame and budget honored? Would they use this remodeler again? Were they happy with the results?

• Many states require contractors to be licensed and/or bonded. Contact your state or local licensing agency – typically the Building Division - to ensure the contractor meets all requirements. If your home was built before 1978, perform a Search on https://www3.epa.gov to determine if the contractor you are considering is a Certified Lead Renovator.

• Most states require contractors to carry workman’s compensation, property damage and personal liability insurance; your contractor should provide a copy of certification of insurance.

• If you are getting bids from more than one contractor, make sure they are bidding on the same kind and quality of work. Question variations in bids and be wary of any proposal that is significantly lower than others.

Harris Exteriors & More Inc. is proud to be a Certified Lead Renovator and a long-standing member of NARI. We welcome the opportunity to educate you about the remodeling industry while we help turn your vision into a reality.