The Best Siding, Window & Roofing Service in Granite City, Illinois
L & D Wilson’s has been the go-to exterior contracting company for residents of Granite City, Illinois for over 40 years. Our services include roofing, awning, window, and siding installations and repairs. We offer top-quality materials at affordable prices, and with a wide variety of materials to choose from, we can work within your budget. At L & D Wilson’s, we have the expertise and experience to handle all your exterior home improvement needs. Don’t hesitate to contact us for repairs, installations, or inspections.
At L & D Wilson’s, we have been proudly serving Granite City, Illinois, and its surrounding areas for more than 40 years! Our aim is to provide affordable and quality roofing, siding, window, and awning services to ensure that all your exterior home improvement projects are completed with expertise. Our team of skilled professionals possesses the experience and knowledge to handle any exterior home improvement task. If you are planning a home improvement project, give us a call at L & D Wilson’s, and we will be delighted to assist you.
Siding
Whether you need a complete installation for new construction or minor updates, L & D Wilson’s in Granite City, Illinois has the tools and materials to make your home stress-free and secure. We ensure that all materials are cold and impact tested to guarantee protection against outside elements and damage. In addition, we offer select warranty packages customized for the materials and the customer. Whether you are looking to patch up existing siding or want to install and remodel, contact our team at L & D Wilson’s today!
Roofing
The statement provides a clear and concise overview of L & D Wilson’s roofing services, including their partnership with CertainTeed’s Select ShingleMaster program. It emphasizes the company’s use of high-quality materials and commitment to ensuring strong and durable roofing installations and repairs. The statement also invites potential customers to reach out with any questions about their services. Overall, the statement effectively conveys L & D Wilson’s expertise and dedication to their roofing services.
Windows
Looking for energy-efficient and consistent temperatures in your home? Look no further than L & D Wilson’s in Granite City, Illinois. We offer a range of window options that are low-maintenance, energy-efficient, and add charm to your home, all at an affordable price. Say goodbye to uneven temperatures and hello to a comfortable home year-round. Contact L & D Wilson’s in Granite City today to get started on your new window installation!
Awning Installation Service Granite City, Illinois
Transform your outdoor living space with a new awning installed by L & D Wilson’s in Granite City, Illinois. Adding an awning to your back patio or deck can give you the extra space you have always wanted. We offer a range of motorized and manual retractable awnings in various sizes, colors, and materials, giving you the creative freedom to design your ideal outdoor living space for entertaining or relaxation. Contact L & D Wilson’s Siding & Roofing Inc. in Granite City, Illinois today to learn more about our awning installation services.
Our Services Include:
- Roofing Repair
- Roofing Construction
- Roofing Replacement
- Roofing Inspections
- Siding Installation
- Siding Repair
- Soffit & Fascia Repair & Installation
- Window Repair
- Window Installation
- Window Inspections
- Awning Installation
- More!
Why Our Granite City, Illinois Clients Keep Coming Back
For more than 40 years, L & D Wilson’s Siding and Roofing Inc. has been proudly serving the Granite City, Illinois community. Our clients keep coming back to us, and we believe it’s because we are the top choice for their roofing and siding needs. But don’t just take our word for it, see what our satisfied clients have to say below. If you have experienced our services, we also invite you to leave a review. We are committed to continuous improvement and providing the best possible experience for our customers.
If you’re worried about your home’s foundation, don’t stress any longer. Contact L & D Wilson’s team if you notice falling shingles or any external items making their way inside. We offer top-quality materials and services to ensure that your home is safe and secure. Our commitment doesn’t end with installation, as we ensure the durability of your home in the long run. For all your siding and roofing needs, call L & D Wilson’s Siding and Roofing Inc. in Granite City, Illinois, and let us get started today!
Find a Roofing Contractor that is Perfect for the Job
If you’re looking to repair or replace your Granite City, IL home or business’s roof, the first step is to find a trustworthy roofing contractor. L & D Wilson Siding & Roofing is highly selective in choosing contractors who are dedicated to delivering excellent workmanship, outstanding customer service, and dependable reliability. Our contractors are held to a stringent set of criteria, which includes:
- They must carry all necessary local and state licenses.
- They need to hold general liability insurance of at least $1,000,000.
- Needs customer service and financial stability screening.
Hiring an Experienced Roofer vs. Doing it Yourself
Undertaking a roof repair or installation project for your home is a significant task that requires considerable effort and finances. It is essential to engage the services of a qualified and dependable roofing contractor with a thorough understanding of the entire roofing process to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. In addition, we offer various warranty options that provide the assurance that our contractors’ work will extend the lifespan of your roof for many years to come.
Attempting a DIY approach to repairing or replacing your roof can expose you to construction and safety risks. That’s why it is highly recommended to consult with a roofing professional to ensure that the job is completed correctly and efficiently.
Questions That You Should Ask Your Roofing Contractor
Selecting a roofing contractor based solely on recommendations may not be the best approach. To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a list of essential questions that you should ask any potential roofing contractor before hiring them for your roofing project.
At L&D Wilson Siding & Roofing, we understand the importance of safety and security for your home or business. That’s why our contractors carry general liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $1,000,000. We prioritize the protection of our clients, and this insurance coverage ensures that in case of any accidents, both parties are safeguarded. So, when you work with us, you can have peace of mind that your roofing project is in good hands.
At L&D Wilson Siding & Roofing, we understand the significance of roofing warranties in protecting your investment. That’s why we offer a range of roofing warranties that cover both material and workmanship, with some options providing coverage for the lifetime of the roof. Our team ensures that you have peace of mind by providing reliable and long-lasting roofing solutions.
Your roofing contractor should understand and comply with all building codes, including local codes.
A written estimate, including a detailed description of the work to be performed and any sub-contracted work, can be provided by the contractor you select to work with.
In addition to inspecting your roof to see if there is storm damage, your contractor should perform a detailed inspection of your home’s entire roofing system. This includes inspecting the deck, attic, flashing, chimney, soil stacks, and any other roof penetrations.
Water and Ice Barriers for Your Roof
Today’s roofing systems are the result of years of engineering innovations. A roofing system is a complex assembly of components that work together to provide effective protection for your home or business. The three main layers of a roofing system include the visible layer of shingles, as well as ice and water barriers, ventilation, insulation, and underlayment. These layers work in tandem to ensure that your roof performs its job. Water and ice barriers, for example, are situated on the roof deck and act as a waterproof shield, preventing moisture from infiltrating your home or building.
How To Prevent Water from Reaching the Roof Deck
Roofing systems that are available in today’s market are the products of years of engineering achievements and innovations. A roofing system is a key part of your home or business, but it is not just one part, many components make up the system.
There are three main layers of a roofing system. The most visible layer is the roof shingles; however, the other layers include parts such as ice and water barriers, ventilation, insulation, and underlayment. All of these pieces work together to help your roof properly do its job. Because of their location on the roof deck, ice and water underlayment products help create a waterproof seal on your roof, ensuring that moisture is kept out.
Roof Leaks
There are certain conditions that can cause your roof to leak including:
- Ice Dams: These are caused by melting snow that refreezes over the eaves and blocks the path to the gutter. Standing water on the roof can eventually start to seep underneath the roof shingles.
- High Winds: These can lift up the edges of shingles. Rain can quickly take advantage of these openings and infiltrate around the nails, which can then wet the roof deck.
- Clogged Gutters: These are a double-edged sword for water issues. Water spilling over gutters can seep down into your home’s foundation. Water that pools into gutters can come up beneath the shingles and makes its way through the fascia and along any interior walls.
The reality is that leaves, seeds, and other objects get into the gutters of your home. Snow and ice also cause issues, but by making sure that you have an ice and water barrier, you can help make sure that the water doesn’t get too backed up and leak into your house.
What are Ice and Water Barriers?
An effective solution for preventing water leakage is to use water and ice barrier underlayment beneath the shingles of your roof. This type of underlayment is directly applied to the roof deck and creates a secure seal around the nails to prevent moisture from seeping into your home.
These barriers offer added protection to your roof and can be used in these areas:
- Entire Roof Surface: A waterproof barrier may be necessary for the entire surface of your roof beneath the shingles, depending on your location. This provides protection in case of shingle loss during storms, and ensures that the deck remains secure against rain until necessary repairs are made.
- Roof Penetrations: Installing a barrier around skylights, vents, and chimneys is important because cutting into the roof’s decking creates an opening for water to infiltrate. By sealing off gaps around these vulnerable areas, you can prevent water from entering and causing damage.
- Eaves: Your roof’s edges are exposed, and wind can catch the tips of shingles and lift them up. This lets water onto your roof deck, and then into your home
- Valleys: The architectural design of your roof will determine the number of peaks and valleys. Rainwater runs down from the roof and accumulates in the valleys before it is channeled into the gutters.
Ice and water underlayment’s protect your home and create a waterproof barrier that helps not only protect your roof from rainstorms but from snow and ice as well.
Ice Dams 101
When below-freezing temperatures combine with heat loss from the attic and rooftop snow, ice dams are likely to form. The severity of the situation worsens with colder temperatures and larger amounts of snow.
Here is how an Ice Dam Forms:
- Snow collects onto your roof.
- The snow melts due to rooftop heat transfer from your attic.
- The melted water flows down the surface of the roof.
- It refreezes once it reaches the eaves, which creates a solid wall of ice.
- Additional snowmelt starts to pool behind the ice dam.
To prevent the formation of ice dams on your home’s roof, it’s essential to address the underlying issues causing them. If you’re experiencing ice dams, it’s recommended that you get in touch with your local roofing contractor.
Synthetic VS Felt Roofing Underlayment
When it comes to roofing, many people may only think about the visible metal or shingles on the top layer. However, there is another layer of protection that plays a crucial role in safeguarding your home against moisture and damage. This layer is located directly on top of the roof deck and under the roof coverings.
Roofing Underlayment: What is it?
People usually associate roofing with the visible metal or shingles on top of a house. However, there is an important layer of protection situated directly on the roof deck beneath the roof coverings, which plays a critical role in safeguarding the house against moisture and damage.
There are two common underlayment materials:
- Synthetic
- Felt
The advantages and disadvantages of each of these products differ from one another, and the decision of which type to choose may be influenced by various factors such as the type of roofing materials utilized, roof design, budget, and recommendations from your roofing contractor.
Synthetic Roofing Underlayment
Roofers often opt for synthetic roofing underlayment to offer an extra layer of protection against harsh weather conditions. Synthetic underlayment is typically made from durable polymers that offer enhanced strength and longevity. It provides better water resistance and is more resistant to moisture than felt underlayment. While synthetic underlayment may be more expensive than felt, its ability to protect your roof from natural elements makes it a worthwhile investment for your home or business.
Pros
Some of the pros include:
- Durability: Synthetic roofer underlayment is known to be extremely durable. This type of underlayment does not tear and is tough against extended moisture and UV exposure. This type of roofing underlayment is also strong against foot traffic, which is important as your roofing contractor will be walking around on its surface as it is being installed.
- Lighter: Compared to other types of underlayment, synthetic is up to four times lighter.
- Safe: Synthetic underlayments are great for worker safety. The surface of our synthetic roofing underlayments features a variety of slip-resistant surfaces which enhance walkability. It is also typically well-marked with indicators of where the fasteners should be placed and overlay guides that help maintain accuracy and consistency during the installation.
- Moisture-Resistant: Synthetic roofing underlayments are built to repel water. This is crucial for homeowners because it prevents any moisture from reaching inside of the home, causing damage such as mold or water leaks.
Cons
Synthetic roofing underlayments often come with a higher price tag than felt underlayments. However, the long-term benefits of using a high-quality roofing material can outweigh the initial cost. That’s why professional contractors recommend investing in synthetic underlayments to ensure your peace of mind and avoid potential costly repairs in the future.
Felt Roofing Underlayment
Felt roofing underlayment is among the traditional types of underlayment that are still used today. It is made by bonding an asphalt-saturated fiberglass mat or paper. Typically, there are two options available: No. 15 felt and No. 30 felt. No. 30 felt is often thicker, stronger, and more resistant to tearing or ripping during the installation process or severe weather when compared to No. 15 felt.
Pros
One of the primary benefits of using felt roofing underlayment is its affordability. When compared to synthetic underlayment options, felt typically comes at a lower cost. This makes it an attractive option for homeowners who are looking to stay within a budget.
Cons
Opting for felt underlayment for your roof has its downsides. The most significant disadvantage is that it cannot remain exposed to the elements for more than a few hours. Felt tends to dry out quickly or leach oils in the heat, compromising its ability to protect your roof from moisture. Apart from this, there are several other drawbacks of using felt, which include:
- Slippery Surface: This can make it more difficult for a roofing contractor to install.
- Prone to Tearing: During high winds or the installation process, felt underlayment can easily tear, which can create more problems further down the road.
- Cannot Get Wet: If this type of underlayment gets wet, the mat can wrinkle the melt which makes it harder for the shingles to lay flat. If you do choose this type of underlayment, the shingles should be placed immediately after the underlayment is installed.
- Weights More: This type of material weighs more than synthetic, which makes it harder for contractors to drag rolls of it up a ladder onto the roof.
Both types of underlayment options have advantages and disadvantages. Hence, it is important to consult our professional contractors at L & D Wilson Siding & Roofing to determine which underlayment option would be most suitable for your home or business’s roof.
Roofing & Attic Ventilation
Your roof’s ventilation is likely not a frequent thought, yet it is a crucial element in maintaining your home. Proper attic ventilation can enhance the longevity of your roof and increase your family’s comfort.
How Does Attic Ventilation Work?
Proper ventilation in an attic that is unfinished usually consists of exhaust vents up high at the peak and intake vents down along the soffits. This combination allows for a continuous flow of air through the space. Cooler outdoor air gets drawn into the soffit vents, and the warm humid air migrates to the roof ridge vents.
Having proper ventilation in your attic can help address any excess moisture and heat that can otherwise wreak havoc on your home. This heat and moisture buildup can cause a variety of issues for your home is not properly ventilated. In the warm summer months, this can warp the roof sheathing and prematurely age and distort the shingles, meaning you will have to get them replaced sooner than expected. It also pushes the heat down to living spaces, which can make it uncomfortable for you to be in your home.
In the cooler months, this issue can cause ice dams to form, which can put your home at risk for leaks due to water pooling. Ice dams form when the snow and ice melt on the upper parts of your roof, but refreeze when they reach the colder lower portions. This ice then prevents water from draining off your roof, and instead pools up and can seep under shingles, causing leaks. Proper attic ventilation, which helps keep the roof temperature consistent and prevents ice dams from forming, can help prevent these issues and keep your home in good condition.
What Does Improper Ventilation Look Like?
Several things you can look for if you notice that your home has improper ventilation in the attic can include:
- An increase in allergy symptoms or respiratory illnesses amongst those who live in your house. This can be related to the spreading of fungi spores through the mold that can grow in your attic due to moisture.
- Water stains, frost, or dampness on the attic side of your roof sheathing.
- Decaying your roof’s structural support system.
- Corrosion or rust on any metal materials in the attic including HVAC components, electrical boxes, nail heads, and light fixtures.
- Your roof line and shingles may appear wavy or rippled in appearance.
- More noticeable ice buildup on the roof’s edge during the colder months.
- More frequent HVAC repairs are needed because your equipment is under a larger amount of stress due to working harder.
- An uptick in your energy bills, which can happen as your attic insulation gets wet and loses all of its effectiveness.
Winter Siding Tips
If you feel as though the winter months here are unbearable, you are not alone. The harsh winter weather that can happen including the sleet, snow, and ice, can be brutal for people and also be brutal for your home’s exterior.
Fiber Siding
Fiber cement siding has become known as a weather-resistant and durable siding product. However, by doing some preservation steps, you can ensure that its curb appeal lasts all year round. Some of these preservation steps include:
- Have Experts Install & Maintain it: Unlike other siding materials, fiber cement requires experienced and professional installation techniques in order to protect your manufacturer’s warranty. The boards are heavy and require a team of experts who know how to transport and hang this type of siding. It pays to have professional contractors such as our team at L & D Wilson Siding & Roofing to install fiber cement siding.
- Painting It Regularly: Even though this type of siding does not wear down as rapidly as wood, fiber cement siding still requires a new paint coat after 10-15 years. Using a high-quality paint can help you make sure that you have lasting results for years to come.
- Clean It Yearly: Doing a gentle clean once a year to remove dirt, dust, and mold is a great way to keep your fiber cement siding properly maintained. This is especially true after taking a beating from the harsh winter weather. Using soap, and a garden hose can make this process simple yet effective.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl is one of the easiest siding materials to maintain, as it requires very little of your time. This makes it one of the most popular siding materials that are used. However, there are still some things that you can to.
- Spring Installation: Wait until the warmer spring weather arrives before you get vinyl siding installed on your home. This is because, during the colder months, vinyl may be at risk of expanding, which can lead to cracking and buckling. We suggest doing it during temperatures of 50-60 degrees as this weather is perfect for vinyl siding installation.
- Rinse Vinyl Siding: Although vinyl is a very durable material, rinsing it off once or twice a year can help remove any fungus, dust, grime, and mildew, keeping the curb appeal of your home new siding.
- Do Not Paint: Vinyl siding is not meant to have paint on top of it. Doing this typically makes it look worse than before it was painted. If you start to notice that your vinyl siding is fading or has become discolored, you can then find new siding that is in a color you love and get that installed. This way your house can still look its best, with some new siding.
- Protect It from Damage: Vinyl siding can be easily damaged by branches, debris, and even harsh cleaners.
No matter what type of siding your home has, make sure that you not only take care of it, but have a proper siding installation team come out and make sure that it is properly installed onto your home or business.
Does Your Siding Need to Be Replaced?
Your home’s siding is an important piece as it protects your home from the elements, keeps your energy bill low, and increases your home’s curb appeal. When the siding is not doing the job that it should, it can create some unnecessary stress.
Even though regular maintenance of your siding may seem like a big task, it doesn’t have to be. Our team at L & D Wilson Siding & Roofing understands that having your siding replaced is one of the most crucial investments that you will ever make. This is why we offer O’Fallon, IL, and surrounding communities experienced and professional siding installation services. If you begin to notice the following signs on your home’s siding, this can be a huge indicator that you need to get your siding replaced by our team as soon as possible.
Visible Rot
When you see rot on your home’s siding, this is a big indicator that there is an issue. Rot causes your siding to weaken and can spread rapidly. If you notice that your siding has signs of crumbling or rotting, you need to contact our team immediately. If it is caught early enough, our team can try to repair the siding, however, you may need a full siding replacement.
Energy Bill Increases
If you are noticing that your energy bill has been increasing recently it may be a sign that your home’s insulation is not doing its job. However, it can also be an issue with your home’s siding. Siding can have damage such as holes and cracks which can cause your energy bills to spike. Getting these repaired can help your bills lower, but so will replacing your current siding with a high insulation siding, which helps increase the energy efficiency of your home.
Loose or Cracked Planks
We understand that wind, hail, and snow damage is quite common and these along with branches or other forms of damage can cause your siding panels to become loose or crack. This type of damage can make your home vulnerable to pests and moisture, so addressing it soon is crucial.
Faded Color
Aside from being unappealing to look at, if the color starts to fade on your siding, this is a sign that it is time to replace it. Having a siding contractor install new siding that has a fresh coat that will not only impress your neighbors but will create the value of your home.
Window Efficiency Ratings of Replacement Windows
If you are considering getting new windows for your home, you may notice that there are a ton of features and terms that are related to energy efficiency. This may be complex to understand, which is why we have created a guide to help explain these terms for you, better allowing you to find the window that is best suited for your needs.
What are the Differences Between Energy Star & NFRC?
NFRC Label
The NFRC or National Fenestration Rating Council is a non-profit independent organization that creates objective energy performance ratings allowing consumers to make informed decisions about their replacement windows.
Energy Star Ratings
Energy Star is a program that is run by the United States Department of Energy and the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. Having the Energy Star label indicates that the product meets the governmental guidelines when it comes to efficiency. In order to earn this label must provide good insulation and prevent heat from transferring through the glass.
Energy Efficiency Ratings
When you compare different windows, you will begin to notice different energy terms in the product descriptions, or on the NFRC label. Here are some of the more common terms you will find, and how they can benefit your home.
U-Factor or Transfer Coefficient
This measurement refers to the ability that a window has to act as an insulator between your home’s interior and the outside. Features such as low-emissivity coatings on glass can help improve a window’s U-Factor. The longer that it takes for the heat to be transferred through your window, the more efficient your home will be. This is because you will not be losing any treated air to the outdoors as quickly as you may have in the past. This also allows your home to remain comfortable and can reduce your energy bill.
What to Look For: Low Numbers
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient
This measurement is the rating of how effective a window is at blocking out the heat from the sun. If you live in an area where your home sees more sun, having a lower SHGC rating means that your air conditioning system will not have to work has hard to keep your home comfortable. The opposite can be said if you live in an area with more shade, as this will allow for sunlight to create more indoor warmth.
What to Look For: Lower numbers for those in sunnier areas, higher for those in colder/shaded areas.
Visible Transmittance
This measurement also known as VT describes how much natural light is able to come through the window’s glass. It is not related to the heat transfer abilities of the window, but it does affect how bright your home is. With the advances in glazing technology, it can be possible for you to have more sunlight inside without adding more solar heat. This can be a benefit to you if you are a fan of natural lighting, it will allow you to get more natural lighting while saving on electricity by not having to use your lights as often to light up a room.
What to Look For: High numbers
Air Leakage
This measurement shows how much air will come up through the window’s frame. If having a drafty window is a major concern for your home, make sure that your window has a low air leakage number in order to reduce drafts and keep your utilities at a lower cost.
What to Look For: Low Numbers
Condensation
This measurement relates to how well a window is able to resist condensation. Unlike other types of NFRC ratings, this one is fully optional. Some manufacturers may not list this number in their product descriptions. If your home has a condensation issue, having windows that help fight against this can be a good solution.
What to Look For: High Numbers
Common Window Replacement Terms
When it comes to shopping for a window replacement, there may be a variety of different terms that are used which can make you feel overwhelmed. We have created a list of some additional terms which you may come across that can help you better understand your window buying experience.
Glass Terms
- Panes: This is the piece of glass that sits within the window’s sash. There are several options for panes including:
- Single Pane- A window with one sheet of glass.
- Double Pane-A window with two sheets of glass with insulating gas in between. This type is common for new windows today.
- Triple Pane- A window with three sheets of glass, with insulating gas in between them.
- Spaces: Windows that are double or triple pane use these plastic or metal pieces to properly separate the glass at a consistent width.
- Glazing: This is another term for window glass, which refers to the whole glass system. This usually includes the coating, sealant, and spacers.
- Glass Size: The full measurement of window glass. This includes the visible pane as well as the portion which is set inside of the pane.
- Laminated: Glass is made from two sheets that are melded together. This reduces the chain that breaks will the whole window to shatter.
- Tempered: Made using a rapid heating and cooling process. This type of glass becomes super strong, and if it breaks, it produces fewer jagged fragments.
- Wire Glass: This type of glass incorporates wire when being made. It is safer than other types because it is less likely to fall out of the sash if it becomes broken.
Frame Terms
Windows are made up of a variety of parts that contribute to how it functions.
- Apron (Also known as Sill Extender): This is the trim that is attached to the windowsill interior to the wall beneath it.
- Casing: This is the space between the wall and your window frame that is covered with casing (also known as molding)
- Head: This part is the top of the window frame.
- Jambs: These are the sides of the frame that are vertical.
- Sash: This part is where the window’s glass is held firmly in place.
- Shims: These are small wedges that are used to fill tiny gaps between the casing and window.
- Weep: In order to draw water condensation away from your window interior and outside, tiny holes known as weeps are inserted into the windowsill.
Styles Terms
Most replacement windows today are available in a wide array of styles that are designed to fit your home’s design. They are mixed and matched in order to suit your needs.
- Awning: Awning window styles hinge at the top and open up and outwards in order to create a protective awning that prevents rain from coming inside.
- Bay and Bow: Projecting out from the wall, bow windows feature four or more attached glass units, or bay windows include three or more.
- Casement: A popular style of window, which opens horizontally and usually uses a lever or a crank system.
- Egress: Egress windows are good for basements as they are sized and designed to provide an escape route in the case of an emergency.
- Fixed: Part or all a window that is designed not to move, staying fixed in place.
- Glider/Slider: This type of window opens from side to side.
- Hung: Windows can be created with either one sash that opens, which is referred to as single-hung. They also can be made or hung with both sashes being able to open upward and downward which is referred to as double-hung.
Picture Window: A large, fixed window that is there to provide ample light and great views but does not open.
