Category: Uncategorized

Johnney is this January’s Employee of the Month. Johnney helps out in so many aspects of the company! He mainly works on repairs but this past month he’s helped out on full siding crews, windows, and gutter jobs. He’s very versatile at his job and detailed oriented in all aspects.

Thanks Johnney!

Lora Himmelspach is September’s Employee of the Month. She helps everyone the best that she can!

Brown Metal Accent Porch roof in Savoy, IL

Metal roof accents are perfect for the homeowner who loves the look of metal roofs but don’t have the budget for large scale roofs. Currently, roofing the front porches or entryways with a metal roof is a popular trend. It also satisfies aesthetic while keeping within the budget.

Carlson Exteriors offers 2 different styles in metal roofs – both are manufactured by Metal Sales.

Classic Rib

Classic rib is very similar to metal roofs commonly seen on barns. The ribs are consistent, without any defining ribs between roof panels

Metal Accent Porch roof in Peoria, IL

Brown Metal Accent Porch roof in Normal, IL

Brown Metal Accent Porch roof in Peoria, IL

Image II

Image II has  a few different variations within this style. The standout feature it the defining ribs on the edge of each panel. The middle section of the panels are smoother than the Classic rib.

Boosting curb appeal for your home can seem daunting when you start to add up all the numbers. There are many ways to update your home’s exterior with out busting the wallet. Start taking the steps to getting your home to look exactly the way you want it!

Add Gable Accents

Gable Brackets are a simple way to make your home look expensive

Gable brackets can be installed as multiple per peak or even as few as one per peak.

Want both brackets and gable accents? No problem!

Even one bracket in each gable can spruce it up

Custom metal accents in gables sounds and looks pricier than it actually is.

Brackets are available in many styles – elaborate or rather minimal.

Gable accents can be custom built out of cedar. They can be offset or be flush with your siding

Gable accents can be custom built out of cedar. They can be offset or be flush with your siding

Gable accents are a quick way to make your house look like it’s worth more than what you paid for! You have a couple of options when it comes to accessorizing the gables. Options include Fypon brackets, custom metal work, or a cedar accent. You can keep the accents minimal or as decorative as you want (or as the budget dictates). The Fypon brackets have an endless array of styles, so you should be able to find the look you want easily. Custom metal work and cedar accents are similar in styles but can have very different looks. Custom metal work can be made out of any color and is limited to what your contractor can provide for you- very popular in a sunburst with varying “rays”. Cedar accents are also limited to what contractor can provide but gives a more natural, rustic look to your home. Cedar accents will require maintenance every couple of years.

Add Dentil Molding or Decorative Trim

Trim work is a quick way to spruce up your home – especially if your home is brick. The image right above is of an all brick home that had dentil moulding added to the front porch, decorative column caps, and added window trim above the lower windows. It’s amazing at how such little details can really turn a home around. The images below are of a brick home that added trim pieces right below the roof line and above the bottom row of window.

Moulding is an easy accessory to add to any home – especially brick.

Remodel only the front side or entrance

BEFORE – James Hardie Reside in Peoria IL

AFTER – Carlson Exteriors removed faux stucco from the gables on this Peoria, IL house. It was replaced with James Hardie fiber cement shake

No one said you have to remodel the whole outside of your home at the same time! Usually the decorative products go on the front of the home. By “decorative” I mean shake products, board and batten, shutters, decorative trim, wider window casings, etc. The home in the above photos, the homeowner was tired of the stucco look from the dryvit and wanted a trendier look with greater contrast. Mission Accomplished!

Add a Fiberglass column

Porch columns are easily glossed over; however, if you make them worth looking at people will admire them. Instead of a small vinyl wrapped column try a fiberglass column.

Replace your garage door

Garage doors can take up to 30% of the space on the front of your home. It’s typically the main entrance for many homeowners. Yet – the garage doors are the first things to take budget cuts or delay in updating unless it’s stop functioning. However, it’s worth considering replacing the garage doors to make your home look modern, trendier, or just make you (the homeowner) happier when you see your home. Often times, the opener doesn’t need replaced which can help keep you under budget.

Carlson Exteriors is proud to partner with the Normal Public Library to inspire children (and adults) to think creatively! Come be a part of the fun Saturday February 25!