Sustainable Solutions for Your Home: Eco-Friendly Exterior Maintenance Practices

Stucco house with clay roofing, roof solar panels, and a lens flair

Our homes, havens of comfort and security, also play a significant role in our environmental footprint. Did you know that residential buildings account for nearly 20% of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions in the United States? At Polar Bear Exterior Solutions, we believe that sustainable exterior maintenance is crucial for minimizing this impact. We’re dedicated to helping homeowners create beautiful, high-performing homes that are also environmentally responsible. Sustainable exterior maintenance encompasses using eco-friendly materials, implementing energy-efficient practices, and prioritizing long-term durability in all aspects of home upkeep, from roofing and siding to landscaping and cleaning. It’s about making conscious choices that reduce our environmental footprint while enhancing the comfort and value of our homes. This commitment to sustainability is not just about environmental responsibility; it’s a smart investment. Sustainable practices benefit both the environment and homeowners through cost savings on energy bills, increased property value due to eco-friendly features, and improved health thanks to better indoor air quality and reduced exposure to harmful chemicals. Environmental Benefits: Reduced Carbon Footprint: The building industry is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Manufacturing processes for materials like concrete and steel are energy-intensive. Choosing sustainable alternatives, such as reclaimed wood or recycled materials, directly reduces your home’s carbon footprint. Consider the lifecycle of your building materials – from sourcing and manufacturing to transportation and disposal – and opt for options that minimize their environmental impact. Conservation of Natural Resources: Our planet’s resources are finite. Sustainable practices help conserve these resources. For example, using recycled asphalt shingles diverts waste from landfills while reducing the need to extract virgin materials. Similarly, sourcing wood from forests certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) ensures responsible forestry practices and helps protect our forests. Minimized Pollution: Traditional paints, sealants, and cleaning products often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful chemicals that pollute the air, water, and soil. Switching to low-VOC or zero-VOC products and eco-friendly cleaning solutions minimizes pollution and creates a healthier environment for your family and the wider community. Economic Advantages: Lower Energy Bills: Sustainable exterior maintenance translates to significant energy savings. Proper insulation in walls and attics, energy-efficient windows with low-E coatings, and reflective roofing materials all contribute to reducing heat transfer, keeping your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This directly translates to lower heating and cooling costs. Increased Property Value: As awareness of sustainability grows, homebuyers are increasingly seeking eco-friendly homes. Features like solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and sustainable landscaping can significantly enhance your home’s appeal and potentially increase its market value. Reduced Long-Term Maintenance Costs: Sustainable materials are often chosen for their durability and longevity. For instance, fiber cement siding resists rot, insects, and fire, requiring less maintenance and replacement compared to traditional wood siding. This durability translates to cost savings over the lifespan of your home. Health and Well-being: Improved Indoor Air Quality: Many conventional building materials and finishes release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, which can negatively impact indoor air quality and contribute to respiratory problems. Choosing low-VOC or zero-VOC paints, sealants, and adhesives creates a healthier indoor environment for your family. Proper ventilation also plays a crucial role in maintaining good indoor air quality. Reduced Exposure to Harmful Chemicals: Switching to eco-friendly cleaning products and avoiding the use of pesticides and herbicides in your yard reduces your family’s exposure to harmful chemicals, promoting better health and well-being. Connection to Nature: Sustainable landscaping practices, such as planting native species, creating green spaces, and incorporating elements like green roofs, foster a connection to nature. Studies have shown that spending time in nature has numerous benefits for both mental and physical health, reducing stress and improving overall well-being. Your roof is your home’s primary defense against the elements, and choosing a sustainable roofing solution is a crucial step in creating an eco-friendly and high-performing home. Several options are available, each with its own set of benefits and considerations. Recycled Asphalt Shingles: A Sustainable Second Life Recycled asphalt shingles offer a compelling blend of sustainability and performance. Composition and Manufacturing: These shingles are made from recycled asphalt, fiberglass, and other reclaimed materials, significantly reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills. The manufacturing process is similar to that of traditional asphalt shingles, but with the added benefit of utilizing recycled content. Durability and Performance: Recycled asphalt shingles often perform comparably to traditional shingles in terms of durability and weather resistance. Many manufacturers offer warranties that are similar to those for standard shingles, giving homeowners confidence in their investment. Cost Considerations: The cost of recycled asphalt shingles is generally comparable to, or sometimes slightly higher than, traditional asphalt shingles. However, the environmental benefits and potential long-term savings make them an attractive choice for eco-conscious homeowners. Example: A homeowner in the Pacific Northwest replaced their old roof with recycled asphalt shingles. They not only reduced their environmental impact but also qualified for a local rebate program, making the project even more cost-effective. Metal Roofing: Durability and Efficiency Combined Metal roofing is known for its exceptional longevity and energy efficiency. Types of Metal Roofing: Several types of metal roofing are available, including steel (durable and cost-effective), aluminum (lightweight and corrosion-resistant), and copper (a premium option with a distinctive aesthetic and long lifespan). Benefits: Metal roofs offer exceptional longevity, often lasting 50 years or more. They are highly reflective, reducing solar heat gain and lowering cooling costs. Metal is also a recyclable material, further enhancing its sustainability. Aesthetics and Design Options: Metal roofing is available in a wide range of styles, colors, and finishes, from sleek standing seam to traditional shingle-style designs, allowing homeowners to achieve their desired aesthetic. Cost Analysis and ROI: While the initial cost of metal roofing is higher than asphalt shingles, its long lifespan and energy efficiency can result in a strong return on investment over time. Solar Roofing: Generating Clean Energy at Home Solar roofing solutions offer the opportunity to generate clean energy directly from your roof. Solar Shingles vs. Traditional Solar Panels: Solar shingles integrate

Winterize Your Pacific Northwest Home: Expert Tips for Energy Efficiency and Safety

Shovels on the side of a house next to snow

The Pacific Northwest’s winter season, characterized by its unpredictable weather, can pose significant challenges to homeowners. From heavy rainfall and snowfall to frigid temperatures, the region’s unique climate can have a significant impact on your home’s comfort, safety, and energy efficiency. To ensure your home is well-prepared for the winter months, it’s essential to take proactive steps to winterize your property. By winterizing your home, you can not only enhance your comfort and safety but also reduce your energy costs. A well-insulated and weather-tight home can significantly minimize heat loss, keeping your interior warm and cozy, even on the coldest days. Additionally, by addressing potential issues like leaky roofs, damaged siding, and drafty windows, you can protect your home from water damage, mold, and other winter-related problems. This comprehensive guide will provide you with essential tips and advice on how to winterize your home in the Pacific Northwest. We’ll cover everything from exterior maintenance to interior preparation, energy efficiency, and safety measures. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your home is well-equipped to withstand the challenges of the winter season. Polar Bear Exterior Solutions is committed to helping you prepare your home for winter. Our team of experts can assist with a variety of exterior improvement services, including roof inspections and repairs, siding installation and repair, window and door replacement, and energy-efficient upgrades. By partnering with Polar Bear, you can have peace of mind knowing that your home is protected from the elements and optimized for energy efficiency. In the following sections, we’ll explore specific steps you can take to winterize your home, highlighting the role of Polar Bear Exterior Solutions in helping you achieve your goals. Exterior Preparation Your home’s exterior is its first line of defense against the harsh winter elements. By properly maintaining your roof, siding, and windows, you can protect your home from damage, improve energy efficiency, and enhance its overall curb appeal. In the following sections, we will explore essential exterior maintenance tasks, including: Roof Inspection and Maintenance: Ensuring your roof is in top condition to withstand heavy snowfall and strong winds. Siding and Trim: Inspecting and repairing your siding and trim to prevent water damage and maintain your home’s aesthetic appeal. Windows and Doors: Weatherproofing your windows and doors to reduce energy loss and improve comfort. Roof Inspection and Maintenance: A Shield Against Winter’s Wrath A well-maintained roof is crucial to protecting your home from the harsh winter elements. Regular inspections can help identify potential issues early on, preventing costly repairs and ensuring your home’s structural integrity. Signs of Roof Damage Missing or Damaged Shingles: Keep an eye out for missing or damaged shingles, as they can compromise your roof’s ability to protect your home from water damage. Curling or Cupping Shingles: These signs indicate that your shingles may be nearing the end of their lifespan and may need replacement. Granule Loss: A significant loss of granules can reduce your roof’s ability to reflect sunlight and protect itself from UV rays. Leaks: Look for water stains on your ceilings or walls, which may indicate a leak in your roof. Sagging or Uneven Areas: These can be signs of structural damage or excessive moisture. Necessary Repairs and Maintenance Gutter Cleaning: Regular gutter cleaning is essential to prevent water damage to your roof and foundation. Clogged gutters can lead to water overflow and ice dams, which can cause significant damage to your roof. Flashing Inspection and Repair: Inspect the flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights to ensure it is properly sealed and preventing water infiltration. Roof Repair: If you identify any damage to your roof, such as cracked or missing shingles, it’s important to address it promptly to prevent further damage. Polar Bear’s Role in Roof Maintenance At Polar Bear Exterior Solutions, we understand the importance of a well-maintained roof. Our team of experienced professionals offers a comprehensive range of roofing services, including: Roof Inspections: We conduct thorough roof inspections to identify potential problems and provide expert recommendations. Roof Repairs: Our skilled technicians can repair a variety of roof damage, including leaks, damaged shingles, and faulty flashing. Roof Replacements: We offer a wide range of high-quality roofing materials, including asphalt shingles, metal roofing, and cedar shake roofing. We can help you choose the best option for your home’s specific needs and budget. By entrusting your roof maintenance to Polar Bear Exterior Solutions, you can have peace of mind knowing that your home is protected from the elements. Siding and Trim: A Strong First Impression Your home’s siding and trim are its first line of defense against the elements. Regular inspections and maintenance can help protect your home from water damage, decay, and energy loss. Inspecting Siding and Trim Look for Damage: Inspect your siding and trim for signs of damage, such as cracks, holes, or missing pieces. Check for Rot: Look for signs of rot, particularly around windows, doors, and other areas where moisture can accumulate. Examine Paint: Check for peeling, chipping, or fading paint, which can lead to water damage and structural issues. Necessary Repairs and Maintenance Caulking and Sealing: Regularly inspect and repair caulking around windows, doors, and other openings to prevent water infiltration. Painting: Repaint your siding and trim every few years to protect them from the elements and maintain your home’s curb appeal. Siding Replacement: If your siding is severely damaged or outdated, consider replacing it with a more durable and energy-efficient material. Choosing the Right Paint When selecting paint for your exterior, consider the following factors: Durability: Choose a high-quality paint that is resistant to fading, peeling, and mildew. Finish: A glossy or semi-gloss finish can be more durable and easier to clean than a matte finish. Color: Select a color that complements your home’s style and complements the surrounding environment. Polar Bear’s Role in Siding and Trim Polar Bear Exterior Solutions offers a wide range of siding and trim services to help you maintain and improve your home’s exterior. Our experienced team can help you with: Siding Installation:

7 Exterior Remodeling Ideas to Increase Your Home’s Curb Appeal

They say you only get one chance to make a first impression. Proper attention to your home’s curb appeal, or its initial value from the street, is a great way to attract potential home buyers. Below, we’ll highlight your favorite exterior remodeling ideas that’ll help your home stand out before anyone even steps foot inside.   1. Landscaping  Lawn care is essential in ensuring that your home looks well maintained from the street. While there are upfront costs to great landscaping, meticulous attention to routine upkeep is what’ll help your home stand out – properly trimmed grass, watering to prevent brown spots, and regular weed pulling show potential buyers that you take care of the space. Of course, the more greenery, the better. Since extensive landscaping can cost a pretty penny, you can opt for adding planters and window boxes for a more inexpensive quick fix. Place these around key areas such as windows and entryways to make the home look more inviting.   2. Entry Door Replacement When viewing your home from the street, the attention of passersby is almost universally drawn to the front door. While you do not have to have the high-arching, imposing swinging doors of Victorian-era houses to denote the elegance of your home, you do want something that is clean, modern, and that beckons visitors to “come on in.” A great place to start in making your front door a shining light for your home is by researching the various Pella entry doors on the market. Pella has a solid selection of both modern and classic entry doors that are sure to mesh with any siding choice for optimal curb appeal. To further boost the view from the street, consider pairing your new entry door with modern exterior door trim. Not only can this provide a classy contrast between your siding and entry door that will further boost your curb appeal, but properly installed trim will also provide an additional seal against the air, moisture, and debris that is notorious for sneaking in through the door framing.     3. Clean Your Gutters In addition to the tangible benefits of preventing blockage, cleaning your gutters makes your home look well maintained. Visibly clogged or blocked gutters can cause runoff problems as well as make the home look unkempt from the street.    4. Upgrade the Garage Door  Replacing the garage door entirely can be quite an expensive undertaking, but simply power washing it before staining it a fresh new color will make it look brand new.    5. Replace the Mailbox An updated and more modern mailbox will instantly make your home look better for under $100.    6. Exterior Upgrades While certainly more expensive, a siding upgrade adds more curbside pop than almost any exterior renovation. The switch from dated, cracked, and blistered siding to clean, flush, and modern options will turn a rundown house into one that will certainly give potential buyers a reason to stop and stare.   While there are a number of quality house siding material options on the market, from white board and batten siding to composite wood siding that give a highly natural aspect, one of the premier choices is James Hardie colorplus fiber cement. Designed to last a lifetime in the face of a wide range of weather conditions, James Hardie colorplus fiber cement comes in a plethora of color options that is sure to capture the essence of your ideal home exterior.    7. Revamp the Driveway The driveway is the first thing that buyers will notice about your property – a cracked or visibly damaged gravel driveway is an immediate turnoff. Replacement isn’t always necessary, and a simple patch job should make your home instantly look better at first glance.    Conclusion Your home’s curb appeal is an essential aspect of its overall value. The aforementioned projects, both big and small, will help you increase the visible value of your property and attract potential home buyers. For more ideas on exterior remodeling projects to enhance curb appeal, browse through the many choices found at Polar Bear Exterior Solutions.   Matt Lee is the owner of the Innovative Building Materials blog and a content writer for the building materials industry. He is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that save money, improve energy efficiency, and increase property value.

The Best Ways to Use Windows for Daylighting Your Home Interior

Daylighting is an architectural concept in which natural light is harnessed to brighten the interior of the building. It also takes into consideration interior features such as reflective surfaces, the orientation of your home’s openings—windows, doors and skylights—relative to the sun, and the size of openings themselves. Its primary purpose is to improve visual comfort while reducing the use of artificial lighting throughout the day.

Skylights Vs. Solar Tubes: Which Suits Your Needs?

Filling your home with natural light does not only help in reducing your energy consumption; it can also have pleasant effects on your mood and general wellbeing. But apart from windows, you can also rely on skylights and solar tubes to add more natural light inside your home.

Is It Better to Have All Your Windows Replaced At Once?

While old and failing windows should prompt a replacement, not every homeowner is ready to take on such a considerable investment like this all at once. Before calling up your window contractor, you’ll need to decide whether you should have all your existing windows replaced in one big project, or do it a few at a time. Polar Bear Exterior Solutions, your trusted window and siding contractor, discusses more of this here.

Important Things to Know Before Replacing Your Patio Door

Replacing the patio doors of your home is always a worthy home improvement project for homeowners to undertake. After all, it not only enhances your home’s aesthetic appeal but its value and energy efficiency as well. Experts say that there are a few things you consider first before getting started.

Common Types of Winter Siding Damage You Shouldn’t Ignore

The winter season is a time when your home’s exterior is put to the test. Given your siding is one of your home’s primary defenses against the elements, it may likely have sustained damage over the past few months. Today, Polar Bear Exterior Solutions, your local siding and roofing contractor, takes a look at the common types of winter siding damage you shouldn’t ignore.

Why a Fiberglass Entry Door Is a Good Choice

Your entry door plays an essential role in your home. It’s one of the first things that greet you and your guests, and it also provides a vital line of defense against a variety of outside elements. That said, your entry door should not only look stunning; it should also be capable of providing superior protection as well. These make fiberglass entry doors an ideal choice for different types of home.

Quick Ways to Winterize Your Entry and Patio Doors

Winter is drawing near, which means you must take on various maintenance tasks to make sure your home is prepared for the frigid weather. You may have tapped a roofer or a siding pro to inspect your home’s exterior components this fall, but have you recently checked your entry or patio doors for drafts? If you haven’t done so, then continue reading to learn quick ways to winterize them.

3 Ways Fiber Cement Siding Can Fail Prematurely

Fiber cement siding is an appealing and popular choice of siding for many homeowners given the material’s toughness, stability and fire and decay resistance. Improper installation, however, can prevent this siding from performing as intended. Today, Polar Bear Exterior Solutions, your local siding and window contractor, takes a look at the various instances where fiber cement siding can fail early in its service life.

Why You Should Install Pella® Impervia® Windows

If you’re shopping for replacement windows, you probably have a list of features you’re specifically looking for. It’s likely that the things you want in a window can be found in Pella® Impervia® windows, making your search easier and faster.

Tips for Choosing a Roofing Contractor

Roofing projects are some of the most important and most expensive home improvement project you’re going to undertake as a homeowner. Whether you’re installing a new roof, replacing an old one, or getting some repairs; you’ll want to hire a trustworthy roofing professional for the job. Choosing the right roofing contractor, however, is not as simple as it seems. It can be a challenge, especially to those who are hiring for the first time. To help make the task easier, we have compiled a few tips to assist you. 1. Check for license and insurance Roofing is a complicated and dangerous job, which is why it’s not recommended for homeowners to do it by themselves. Working several feet above the ground, on an uneven surface, is a huge safety risk – one wrong step can send you straight to the emergency room. Reputable roofing contractors have the knowledge, skills, tools, and proper equipment required to perform the job safely and successfully. More importantly, they carry necessary roofing contractors insurance to cover them and their crew in the event of an accident or injury during the project. Working with licensed and insured contractors will save you from headaches in case something unfortunate happens on site. 2. Look for roofing contractors with experience Experience means a lot in the roofing industry. There are lessons, knowledge, and skills that can only be honed by repetition and time. Experienced contractors may charge higher than their newer competitors, but they also have a long list of satisfied customers to vouch for their services. Roofing projects cost a lot of money, so you need people who can do it right the first time. Roofers who have had years of experience are more likely to deliver a quality job. 3. Use past works as a reference Experience is important, but reputation is everything. That said, when interviewing a potential roofing contractor, don’t simply take their word for it – ask for references. Reputable roofers won’t have any issues with this. It could be contact numbers of previous clients that you can personally speak with or photos and locations of their completed jobs. But as most contractors already have a well-curated portfolio of references prepared, you need to do some research on your own as well. Third-party review sites provide more candid insights and real feedback on what it’s like working with a specific roofing company. 4. Ask what happens if you’re not satisfied with the results It’s crucial to ask contractors how they deal with unsatisfied clients because there’s always a chance that the results won’t be to your liking. How do they handle error complains? Do you have to pay more to get things re-done? Go with a roofing company who is prepared to vouch for the quality of the work that they do. If you end up unsatisfied for some reason, they should guarantee to get things done to your standards. The Bottom Line Despite the amount of research that they have done, many homeowners still make the mistake of getting swayed by the lowest bid. Yes, budget is an essential factor, but the price is not the only thing that matters here. Cheapest does not equate to best. The right roofing contractor will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision. In the end, you should choose a roofer who offers you the best value for your money.

James Hardie® Siding: Why It’s Called The “Superior Siding”

When it comes to siding material, you’ll have no shortage of options and most homeowners tend to gravitate toward the option that is both affordable and durable. While you’ll find numerous products on the market that fit these requirements, such as aluminum, vinyl and stucco, there’s likely one material that your siding contractor recommended for you to consider: James Hardie® siding. In this post, Polar Bear Exterior Solutions discusses the reasons why James Hardie siding is known as the “superior siding.”

The 5 Best Value Exterior Home Improvements

Is it worth it? That should be the big, burning question behind exterior home improvements. Most real estate agents will advise you against installing a swimming pool. It’s a terrible investment — especially in western Washington where you’ll use it just part of the year. It’s expensive, and high maintenance and doesn’t raise the value as much as the cost. But there are plenty of valuable ways to spruce up the outside of your home and add curb appeal. Here are the five best value exterior home improvements. 1. Garage Door This improvement is No. 1 on the “best value” home improvement list. In western Washington, you’ll get back 123.8% of the average cost of a new garage door. That’s like free money. But the value isn’t only about the appearance. Garage doors can improve your home’s energy efficiency and security, and lower the maintenance on the exterior of your home. 2. New Siding Replacing old vinyl siding is completely worth the money. In fact, it’s ranked as one of the best values for home improvements by Remodeling magazine’s 2019 Cost versus value survey for the Seattle region. Just replacing the siding gives homeowners in western Washington an 85 percent return on investment. Replace it with a trendy manufactured stone veneer, and your ROI goes up to a whopping 110 percent. 3. Front Door Your front door is part of your home’s first impression. Replacing or updating a dull front door is another exterior home improvement with a lot of bang for the buck. According to the 2019 cost versus value survey, a new mid-grade front door replacement has a 78 percent return on investment in the Seattle area. But if you decide to go all out and turn your front door into a grand front entrance, the ROI goes up to 85 percent. Not bad for a weekend’s worth of work. 4. Green Up the Lawn The state of your yard reflects on the state of your home, at least in the eyes of someone who sees it from the street. Realtor.com lists landscaping as the top item to add value  and attract buyers to your home. Regular mowing, watering and fertilizing are key to turning your patch of grass into a lovely lawn. And if you’re looking to thicken up the grass  and make your yard the envy of the neighborhood, try overseeding in the fall to fill in any thin or brown patches. A bag of grass seeds and a seed spreader can add value and  make you wonder why you didn’t do it before. 5. All Hands on Deck Adding a deck can be a pricey home improvement project whether you DIY or you hire a pro, but the numbers don’t lie. A new deck adds value to your home to the tune of 87% in western Washington. That’s because outdoor living is trending right now, especially in the Pacific Northwest, where decks built of cedar or redwood have a certain regional charm. Think of it as an outdoor living room, where you’ll enjoy mealsand relax. It extends the living area of your home, and when the time comes to sell, it’s an upgrade that’s attractive to potential buyers. When it comes to value, not all home improvements are created equal. Some exterior enhancements, such as improving the lawn and pruning the shrubs, won’t cost a lot, and  will still elevate the look of your home. Other projects can be a lot more expensive, but if you pick the right projects, the value and the return on investment are worth the money  and time. Roselyn Jenkins is a real estate agent who spends much of her time fixing up and flipping old houses. Her specialty is creating eye-catching landscapes.

The Importance of Achieving Optimal Roofing Performance

Today’s homeowners are becoming more and more concerned about how their roofing systems fare against the challenges of harsh weather and unforgiving environmental conditions. Today’s article from your trusted Mukilteo roofing contractor Polar Bear Exterior Solutions aims to shed light on the importance of optimal product performance for homes and the critical role it plays in customer satisfaction.

Dispelling the Most Common Fiber Cement Siding Myths

While vinyl is still a commonly used siding material in the U.S., fiber cement has slowly but surely been gaining traction as one of the most popular siding choices for American homes. However, there are still a few questions and myths about fiber cement that keep some homeowners from investing in it.

How to Cool a Sun-Facing Room

Rooms facing the sun enjoy a lot of natural light but they also have a big problem with excessive heat. Trusted window and roofing contractor Polar Bear Exterior Solutions shares here some of the things you can do to offset too much passive heating and maintain indoor comfort: 

3 Benefits of Tubular Skylights

Skylights are great because they let you boost levels of natural light in your home during the day without eating up precious real estate along your walls. Unfortunately, not all homes do well with traditional skylights. Fortunately, tubular skylights exist as alternatives. What can they do for you? Skylights and awning contractor Polar Bear Exterior Solutions shares here the benefits of tubular skylights, or solar tubes:

Debunking Myths about Composite Decks

Decking can take quite a beating from constant exposure to the rain and sun. Wood is a poor choice if you want something that will look good and last long with little maintenance, so most people are choosing composite decking material. Yet, like all home improvement materials, misconceptions about it still exist. Polar Bear Exterior Solutions, Seattle’s premier roofer, debunks the most common composite myths.

Why Hiring a Roofing Contractor Is Better Than DIY

Fixing a roof can be difficult, tedious and downright dangerous. Before you start any DIY project, carefully consider the pros and cons. Sure, a DIY project may have its own benefits, but more often than not, it brings negative results. Polar Bear Exterior Solutions, Seattle’s top roofing and awning contractor, explains why hiring a pro for your home improvement project is always in your best interest.

How to Choose Replacement Windows for Ranch-Style Homes

Ranch-style homes foster a relaxed, easy-going lifestyle because of their simplicity. Unlike other architectural styles like Colonial, Craftsman and Tudor, its interior space is more open and free-flowing, making it versatile and efficient for different functions.