Back porch of home
By Editor Tips and Tricks • • • 0 Comments

Late Summer Deck and Patio Care

The kids are going back to school. The days are starting to shorten. This is the best time of the year to give some special love to the deck or patio that you’ve been using all summer long for sunset watching, outdoor activities, and barbecues. To clean and clear a concrete or wood deck patio, use a power washer to remove tough stains and marks. Reseal and stain your deck or patio as needed if any discoloration starts to appear. Use the time spent cleaning or resealing to check for rot or cracks in your deck or patio, and make any necessary repairs. Move and rearrange any planters or furniture on the deck or patio to prevent discoloration, stains or damage left from watered plants and pressure points from deck chairs. Make sure that the gutters are draining and wicking water away properly to keep your deck or patio from becoming flooded during rainy conditions. Clear any debris like leaves away from your deck. Finally, trim any trees or shrubs: long branches can promote rot and mold growth on wood decks or patios.

If you suspect any issues or cracks with your patio or deck, contact Liberty Builders. We’ll be happy to help with any deck or patio job: big or small. At Liberty Builders, we’re dedicated to the care of your patio or deck and will help keep it looking beautiful for years to come.

Source:

https://www.houselogic.com/by-room/yard-patio/deck-care-and-maintenance/

crack in wall of building
By Editor General Information • News • • 0 Comments

Drought and Your Foundation: Learning About the Cracks in Your Home

Texas is known for its hot summers, and drought can be massively destructive to your lawn, landscaping and your home’s foundation. Foundation issues are costly and can be expensive to repair and potentially damaging to more than just your home. Dry soil and hot conditions can be devastating to your home’s foundation and the signs are times are rather innocuous. The signs of foundation damage include: sloping floors, gaps in door ways, gaps in set in features like fireplaces, cracks in walls and any sticking or gaps in doors.

The causes of foundation issues during the summer heat are not quite as simple as dry soil. Trees and shrubs will try to grab onto any residual moisture from the soil and dry soils makes for shaky foundations. In addition to dry soil, Texas is full of less than ideal soil types: high amounts of clay (almost 50% clay) can be difficult to build a solid foundation on.

There are a few ways to check on your home’s foundation before costly repairs need to be considered. Rolling a marble down a floor to test for slopping can be a simple way to make sure your floors stay level: the faster the roll, the deeper the slope. Check your home’s exterior and interior for cracks. These cracks can start off as hairline and small at first and by the time they are more noticeable serious damage to your foundation may have already occurred. Check the soil around your home: dig about 6 inches down and if the soil is dry water the ground around your home.

If you’re worried about your home’s foundation, contact Liberty Builders. We have plenty of experience dealing with the foundation concerns that are all too familiar to Texas residents and builders. If you suspect your foundation may be in danger, don’t delay: call for a consultation.

 

Sources:

https://www.houselogic.com/organize-maintain/home-maintenance-tips/your-house-sinking-drought-could-be-cause/

fan
By Editor Energy Efficiency • General Information • Liberty Builders of Texas News. • • • 0 Comments

Keeping Your Summer Electric Bill Cool: Energy-Efficient Ways to Cool Your Home

Summer’s heat can be oppressive in South Texas and high heat and longer days can mean soaring electric bills. High heat forces us indoors with air conditioning units cranked up to the coolest possible settings, and the drain of increased energy consumption isn’t just felt on our wallets: it takes a huge toll on power grids and the nation’s energy consumption as a whole. There are plenty of incentives to finding more energy-efficient ways to cool your home down in the summer that go beyond lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint. Here are a few tips on keeping your home cool while keeping an eye on your energy consumption.

Turn off as many electrical appliances and devices as possible when not in use or if you’re out of the house. Keeping the lights on may be a force of habit but only 10-15% of the electricity used by most conventional light bulbs is used to produce light – the rest is simply turned into heat. The longer summer days produce a great deal of sunlight that can be an effective method to light most rooms in many houses and apartments. Run appliances like dishwashers and washing machines when they’re full. Running half or small loads of laundry or dishes simply eats up valuable energy and these appliances can generate a great deal of heat in the rooms they’re in. Turn your air conditioner off when you’re out of the house. While it may be nice to return to an ice cold home, leaving the A/C running during the day with no one to enjoy its benefit is a massive drain of electrical energy. Ceiling and box fans can be a great way to help circulate cool air but leave them on just long enough to cool a room to the desired temperature. Opening windows during the late afternoon and early evening can be a fantastic way to cool off a home but if you keep the windows open but sure to keep the A/C off otherwise the cool air is simply being blown out the window. Check your home for cracks and gaps in windows and doors. These gaps and cracks can let warm air leak in and cool air leak out making your A/C unit work harder to cool a room and that strain on the A/C unit will increase your electric bill.

For more green solutions to cooling your home and checking for cracks and potential building concerns give Liberty Builders a call. We’re here to help.

Source:

http://energy.gov/energysaver/spring-and-summer-energy-saving-tips

New England home
By Editor Doors • Energy Efficiency • Generations Windows and Doors • Insulation and Radiant Barrier • Patio Covers • • • • 0 Comments

Renovations Engineered for Efficiency

When remodeling, homeowners are looking for ways to increase the value and functionality of their home. And what better way to do that than by upgrading to the latest and greatest in home efficiency?

Plugging up leaks that allow cold and hot air to slip into your house and drive up your energy bill is an important first step in creating an energy-efficient home. These leaks are often found around doors and windows, but could also be hidden in your attic.

That’s where we come in! From attic insulation to energy-efficient windows and room additions, Liberty Builders of Texas has the knowledge and training to install the best products on the market. Products that will not only impress potential buyers, but will help you live comfortably and save you money in maintenance and energy costs year after year. Here are just a few ways we can help:

  1. Windows – Replacing old, leaky windows with higher-efficiency models can make your home greener to begin with. Add in Liberty’s Generations Windows and you’ll experience up to a 40% decrease in energy costs! And if that isn’t enough, at Liberty Builders all San Antonio windows and doors are upgraded with our Secure Glass Package to protect against break-ins and reduce outside noise by 50% when compared to ordinary glass.
  1. Doors – Having a quality exterior door that isn’t wood or a heavy metal can help reduce drafts and cut energy bills drastically while improving your home’s appearance. At Liberty Builders, we believe in Therma-Tru fiberglass doors because they offer 5X greater insulation value than wood and more than 2X the air infiltration performance of high-quality steel.
  1. Patio Enclosures – Whether you have an existing roof or patio that you want to convert into an air-conditioned space or are starting from scratch, Liberty Builders can help design the perfect enclosure to fit your needs. Not only do we use the insulated aluminum roof and wall panel system in your enclosure, we build around our premium energy-saving windows and doors to help your sunroom achieve the best possible performance in energy loss prevention.
  1. Attic Insulation – “It turns out that about half of the homes in the United States are under-insulated,” says Kateri Callahan, president of the Alliance to Save Energy. With those odds, there’s a good chance your home isn’t as insulated as it should be, resulting in major energy loss. Our offering of Owens Corning attic insulation can cut heating and cooling costs by up to 20%, keeping your home comfortable all year round.

Renovating for efficiency can seem like a daunting and expensive task, but it doesn’t have to be. Plan your renovation in stages with Liberty Builders of Texas and your home will be energy efficient in no time! Give us a call today at (210) 714-1655 for a free in-home consultation!

(Source: Realtor Mag & Money.USNews.com)

Elegant Home with new siding
By Editor Siding • Siding Replacement • • • 0 Comments

Breathe Easy With Mastic Siding

The very first thing people see when they visit your home is the exterior. Let Liberty Builders of Texas help you make a great first impression with Mastic Siding! Liberty Builders is the largest Mastic Siding applicator in the state of Texas and the only Mastic Elite Contractor in the San Antonio area.

This distinction tells homeowners that the industry leader in home exteriors has confirmed us as a professional that follows reputable business practices, uses highly-trained installers and has proven product knowledge. Your exterior siding project will be in good hands with our highly trained and certified company.

When choosing Mastic siding to remodel your home’s exterior, you get the classic look of freshly painted or stained wood with exceptional durability. So you get a beautiful exterior product that’s built to last and easy to maintain, which means you’ll spend more time enjoying your home, and less time working on it. Unlike fiber cement siding, vinyl siding allows you peace of mind because it will never need painting, caulking, or patching and it won’t peel, rot or split over time – saving you thousands of dollars in maintenance costs.

Here are just a few of the reasons why we recommend and are proud to sell Mastic vinyl siding:

Industry Preferred

There is a reason why professionals and homeowners prefer the low-maintenance of vinyl siding to wood, fiber cement, brick or stucco options. Vinyl provides a safe, eco-friendly option that is easier to handle, store, and install. When installing vinyl siding, contractors can breathe easy and do not have to wear face masks since it is free of silica dust – a powder found in fiber cement siding that is known to cause silicosis and increase the risk of lung cancer when inhaled.

Durability & Beauty

You can have both! Each panel is manufactured from the highest quality materials and engineered to last a lifetime. Mastic siding stays tightly attached to your home in high winds, resists minor impacts, and performs beautifully—even in the harshest weather conditions. And with 35 colors, including solid and weathered cedar, Mastic has more options than anyone in the industry. But better than that, Mastic products ensure that your home’s colorful new appearance stays that way. Our rich, deep hues are engineered and tested to resist fading.

Going Green

Mastic vinyl siding contributes points towards green building programs and is green-approved by the NAHB Research Center. No painting, sealing or caulking also means that no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are added to the environment during installation or maintenance. Mastic Structure® EPS Insulated Siding also covers the entire wall with a blanket of insulation helping to reduce energy costs.

With beauty that’s more than skin deep, backed by a history of industry-changing innovation and proven quality, it’s easy to see why Mastic vinyl siding is the best choice for your home renovation. And to top it off, when purchasing Mastic siding, you’ll be supporting American-made products from an American-owned company. Now that you know the facts, the choice is yours. Give us a call to get a customized quote and transform your home exterior!

(Source: Ply Gem)

Outdoor living space with beautiful fireplace
By admin Energy Efficiency • General Information • Tips and Tricks • • • 7 Comments

4 Home Improvements to Increase The Value of Your Home

The beginning of the year is a popular time for homeowners to consider remodeling. Whether due to a New Year’s Resolution of finally putting a home on the market or simply to make a house more comfortable and appealing, remodeling is a hot topic in the housing sector during January and February. Carefully considering which remodeling projects you choose to take on can result in a valuable investment that recoups a great deal more money than the cost of the projects themselves. That being said, here are 5 of the best home improvement projects for your return:

  1. Exterior Siding Replacement–Replacing siding is one of the most inexpensive ways to make a home’s exterior look virtually brand new. Additionally, all Liberty Builders siding replacements include the installation of a Blue foam board by Dow to ensure durability and save you money overtime due to increased insulation. According to Business Insider, siding adds an average of 78 percent return at resale. And once installed, replacement siding requires little maintenance and lasts for up to twenty-five years.
  2. Front Door Replacement–A front door not only adds to a home’s overall curb appeal, but also makes a big first impression since it’s the first part of your home that visitors will see up close. When replacing your front door, it’s a smart move is to invest in an energy efficient door. Having a quality exterior door in San Antonio can help reduce draft and cut your energy bill.
  3. Deck or Patio Addition–Outdoor living spaces have become more desirable, especially in San Antonio where the weather is rather warm year round. Adding a deck or patio will certainly increase the value of your home. HGTV claims that homeowners recoup 65-90 percent of their investment by adding a deck or upgrading a patio.
  4. Energy-Efficient Insulation–If your home lacks basic insulation and has old doors or windows that let in plenty of hot and cold air, home inspectors will include this in their reports to potential homebuyers. Homes that haven’t been modified with energy efficiency in mind cost more to live in and maintain. By updating your home, you can increase your value while saving thousands of dollars just by making a few changes. For example, adding extra insulation to your attic and replacing old windows with new energy efficient ones will save you 40 percent on your utility bill.

While adding an outdoor living space may seem like an exciting endeavor, it is important to focus on the smaller home improvement projects as well. Projects like staining your concrete, applying a new coat of paint, and replacing damaged floors are all affordable projects that can result in an increased home value down the road.

Ready to update your home? Call Liberty Builders of Texas at (210) 714-1655 for a free in-home consultation!

 

Source: Business Insider and Money Crashers

Stamped concrete walk way
By Editor Concrete Creations • • • • 4 Comments

Stamped Concrete: An Affordable Makeover for Your Outdoor Areas

In the process of updating your outdoor space but can’t get over how dull plain concrete can be? Don’t spend a fortune on the purchase, haul, and install of stone or asphalt; consider stamping (or staining) your concrete! At Liberty Builders of Texas, our priority is to custom install the most energy efficient and maintenance free exterior products available. Stamped concrete offers a unique, affordable, and easy-to-maintain option for any outdoor project.

Not just for theme parks anymore! The value of stamped concrete presents itself over and over again in all types of projects from driveways and patios to theme parks and malls. And it’s no question why; along with the resilience of regular concrete, stamping adds a decorative touch making it an elegant and economical option when remodeling.

See for yourself the benefits stamped concrete offers in terms of performance, cost savings, and aesthetics.

Reduced long-term maintenance and care.
Over time, other surface materials such as pavers can become loose or settle, resulting in tripping hazards. Stamped concrete’s advantage is that it never needs resetting or replacing.

Less labor intensive than other surface materials.
It is more economical to pour concrete and apply a pattern than to haul and place individual paving stones by hand.

Increased longevity.
Your initial investment in stamped concrete is only part of the total equation. Concrete lasts longer than other materials, is durable in nearly every type of climate, and holds up better to traffic and wear.

Increases resale value of property.
Stamped concrete adds instant curb appeal and aesthetic value to a property. You can maximize the return on your investment by choosing stamped  over plain concrete.

More design options. 

You’ll be impressed with how much stamped concrete has to offer in terms of availability of patterns and colors. The options are vast and will add a unique and elegant flair to your home. You can choose a simple stamped concrete design that mimics brick or stone, or you can go with a more elaborate design with outlines, different colors, and multiple shapes.

Call Liberty Builders today for a free in-home consultation and upgrade your concrete today! 210-714-1655

(Source: StampedConcrete.org)

BBB Accredited business
By libertybuilder General Information • News • • • 1 Comment

You Can Trust Liberty Builders – A Member of the BBB

Liberty Builders of Texas is honored to be a member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 1992.  The BBB’s mission is to create a marketplace where companies can trust one another.  Not only do they set standards best practices for businesses, but also keep tabs on businesses and the reports they receive from the company’s customers.  The BBB selects and endorses local businesses who make a concerted and meticulous effort to resolve any complaints from their clients or customers.  The two main pillars of the BBB are Integrity and Performance.  These pillars include good ethics and an impeccable track record.  While every business can make mistakes, it’s how those mistakes are handled by the business that makes the difference.

The BBB rating is made after consideration of 13 factors.  They include:

  1. Complaints – How many and how severe?
  2. Unanswered Complaints – did the company respond appropriately and in a timely manner?
  3. Unresolved Complaints – was the complaint addressed or ingnored?
  4. Delays in Resolution – how long did it take to fix the problem?
  5. Pattern of failure to address complaints – What is the track record for the company in this area?
  6. Type of Business – How do they compare?
  7. Time in Business – Are they established?
  8. Transparent Business Practices – Are they employing best practices?
  9. Failure to Honor mediation/arbitration – How do they respond in a client disagreement?
  10. Competency Licensing – They must have all paperwork in order
  11. Government Action – They must follow all laws for their industry
  12. Advertising Review – Do they honor what they offer?
  13. BBB Trademark Infringement – Do they claim membership when they are not members?

Liberty Builders of Texas has an elevated rating of “A+” due to the following:

  • Length of time we have been in business
  • Complaint volume filed with BBB
  • Response to complaint filed against business
  • Resolution of complaint filed against business

It is our mission to listen to the needs of our clients, offer solutions and deliver what we promise.  We are proud to serve the San Antonio area and to be a part of the BBB.  Rest assured, you will be in great hands with Liberty Builders of Texas.

(source: bbb.org)