Behind The Scenes – Carlson Exteriors Inc.

Behind the Scenes with Enviro Dri

March 20, 2018February 12, 2018by carlsonexteriorsLeave a comment

This blog is part of a series. Search our site for “behind the scenes” to read other articles in the series.

Carlson Exteriors gets excited about Tremco’s product, Enviro Dri for many reasons. These range from monetary savings all the way to long term homeowner protection. Before we dive into the behind the scenes of Enviro Dri, many of you might be unfamiliar with it. I’d suggest clicking here and reading this page to get a quick understanding.

The first benefit thats always on everyone’s mind is savings. How can something new save you money? While installation costs might be exactly the same as standard house wrap, using Enviro Dri during a new construction build can allow you to save money in other parts of your build. You can have thinner walls but have the same insulation rating because Enviro Dri is more energy efficient. The lumber savings alone is enough for many builders to switch to Enviro Dri from house wrap.

House wrap can tear easily if left exposed to high winds. Enviro Dri is a liquid that applied to your sheathing; no part of Enviro Dri can be ripped or destroyed by high winds or any harsh elements. During the build of your new home, you can rest assured that your home is protected if it takes a little longer than expected to get your siding installed. If you aren’t building your home, knowing that you you have Enviro Dri protecting it gives you a little extra piece of mind if any piece of siding would blow off. If you had a piece blow off or break, any exposed house wrap may also rip leaving the OSB exposed. Enviro Dri eliminates this from ever being a problem.

Enviro Dri flashing around a mechanical protrusion

EnviroDri is a water resistant membrane used as an energy efficient alternative to house wrap.

EnviroDri is a water resistant membrane used as an energy efficient alternative to house wrap.

Enviro Dri is a more hardy of a moisture barrier. It can also be used under all products (brick, stone, stucco, etc). It will stand up to surface active contaminants that are frequently found in wood, stone, fiber cement siding. Over time these contaminants can break down house wrap’s barrier. There are no mechanical fasteners used in Enviro Dri’s application. Since it’s a liquid that’s applied, there are no nails or staples keeping it attached. Normally these areas could leave you exposed to a water infiltration. With house wrap your home will have many seams that could fail. These taped seams could fail from not being taped correctly to not withstanding the settling of your home over time. There are NO seams in Enviro Dri. As an added measure, everywhere the OSB sheets join up, our installers add a mesh strip to flex with the OSB (if needed).

EnviroDri is a water resistant membrane used as an energy efficient alternative to house wrap.

EnviroDri is a water resistant membrane used as an energy efficient alternative to house wrap.

Behind the Scenes with Shur FloX

March 7, 2018February 12, 2018by carlsonexteriorsLeave a comment

This blog is part of a series. Search our site for “behind the scenes” to read other articles in the series.

Shur FloX is a hassle-free leaf protection. It’s an all aluminum protection system so you don’t have to worry about it warping or deteriorating over time. Tiny holes that pierce the leaf protection allow water or any small debris (that won’t clog) to run down the gutter and out the spout. The ridges promote air flow – allowing dry debris to blow right off.

Shur FloX leaf protection has ridges so no leaves get stuck and cannot blow off.JPG — Shur FloX leaf protection has ridges so no leaves get stuck and cannot blow off

Did you know that so many leaf protection systems actually void your roof warranty? Shur FloX really shines because it doesn’t tamper with your shingles. This is why Carlson Exteriors chooses to use Shur Flox and no other brand. Most gutter guard brands will advertise the wonders of their product and will not mention how their product impacts other products already on your home. Asking how a leaf protection will affect your roof warranty is not a question homeowners think to ask – nor should it be! That’s why you’ve hired an expert to help you.

Having a gutter leaf guard that needs to be secured under your roof shingle will void any roof warranty. — Having a gutter leaf guard that needs to be secured under your shingle will void any roof warranty.

If you look at the images below, you will see that Shur FloX only attaches to the gutter and will not interfere with your shingles.

Shur FloX only attaches to the gutter – not the roof.

Shur FloX does not interfere with the shingles and will not void roof warranty

Click here to see Carlson Exteriors’ page on Shur FloX

Click here to visit Shur FloX’s website

Behind the Scenes with CertainTeed

February 26, 2018February 7, 2018by carlsonexteriorsLeave a comment

This blog is part of a series. Search our site for “behind the scenes” to read other articles in the series.

CertainTeed is a nationwide known brand; and for good reason. They make great shingles and offer plenty of colors. But the reason Carlson Exteriors loves using CertainTeed is for the roofing warranty they provide to the homeowner.

This warranty is registered in homeowner’s names. The original is mailed to homeowners, a copy is mailed to Carlson Exteriors, and CertainTeed keeps a virtual copy. Unlike most warranties, CertainTeed’s has no loop holes and no fine print. To read more in detail about our Unconditional Roofs – Click here.

White long panel garage doors with mission window inserts in Bloomington IL

LP Smartside siding in Pewter with White trim and Black roof

grand two story house with cedar columns, brown brick, faux wood garage doors, dark siding and dark shakes

Weathered wood roof, Bronze trim, Mastic Misty shadow dark shakes and Mastic Misty Shadow dark siding in BLoomington IL

I was able to interview CertainTeed’s Territory Manager, Bob Eaton, to get his insider opinion.

I’ve worked for CertainTeed for 15 years now. I truly enjoy seeing my customers and I believe that will never change. I believe providing a true 50 years Peace of Mind Full replacement warranty for all homeowners is essential. I’m the point person for all claims and when a shingle does fail, I want to make sure the homeowners gets taken care of in all aspects. The only way to do that is to have the SureStart Plus Warranty on their home.

If you look at the chart below, the SureStart Plus warranty Bob is talking about, actually increases with inflation. The middle column is the usual warranty that most shingles come with. With the typical Limited Warranty, even in the first year the homeowner is still paying a decent chunk out of pocket. EVERY roof Carlson Exteriors installs, gets a SureStart Plus Warranty.

unconditional-roof-warranty-example-certificate — Example Warranty Certificate of what every replacement roof customer of Carlson Exteriors receives

Now back to Bob:

I can’t ever remember CertainTeed not doing the right thing for the consumer. CertainTeed has always supported me in the field and that is critical to my success and to homeowner’s happiness.

Carlson Exteriors is a great partner. I truly enjoy working with everyone. You’re extremely organized from top to bottom. From my stand point, you do it right the first time.

Click here to get a roof replacement quote

Click here to visit CertainTeed’s website

Behind the Scenes with Mastic

February 20, 2018February 20, 2018by carlsonexteriorsLeave a comment

This blog is part of a series. Search our site for “behind the scenes” to read other articles in the series.

Mastic brochure

smaller ranch house with grey siding, grey shakes, white trim, white carriage style garage door with plain glass inserts, Black roofing and tan bricks

Mastic deep granite grey siding and shakes, white trim and CertainTeed moire black roofing in Edwards IL

PlyGem (Mother company of Mastic) has been the industry leader in vinyl siding for quite some time. Being a lead manufacturer usually means that the “small-company feel” gets lost. However, that is not the case with Mastic. They are personal and prompt – customer service, training, and warranty issues. This is the main reason Mastic is Carlson Exteriors’ preferred brand of vinyl siding. They are extremely personal and efficient when working with contractors customers. The few warranty claims we have had with Mastic, get remedied quickly and our homeowners aways walk away very happy.

Mastic is not just a producer of products.

– Collin Clougherty, Mastic Territory Sales Manager

What I think Collin means by this, is that Mastic is more than a siding factory. They care about the customer experience from start to finish. Mastic wants it to be enjoyable picking out colors and styles; that’s why they’ve invested so much into technology to help you see their products on your own house. Mastic wants the install to go without any hiccups; that’s why spend so much time training Mastic employees and contractors. Mastic knows their products are made to last and be durable; that’s why they never stop testing their products against the elements. Mastic wants you to love them even after you’ve bought from them; that’s why they resolve any siding problems very quickly with the least amount of cooks in the kitchen.

I had an opportunity to chat with Collin Clougherty about his Mastic Career:

I started working for Mastic when I was 14, mowing the yard at the plant in Princeville, IL. My father was a Corporate buyer for them and they always treated him very well. I get excited about Mastic’s evolution of products and colors! The day I started, we had 3 profiles and 6 colors. Today, we have 6 profiles and 35 colors.

Mastic was Collin’s first job and has been Collin’s only job! He’s watched and helped them grow and is still looking towards Mastic’s future. Below is Newport Bay and Natural Slate, which are two of Mastic’s newest color releases.

Newport Bay Blue can become very vibrant when placed next to white and grey

Deep granite shakes and Board and Batten siding with Natural Slate siding, white trim and black roof in Savoy IL

Back to Collin:

Mastic is not just a specialist that makes vinyl siding. We also make our own Metal, Rainware, I.M and Stone. This allows consumers to color coordinate and everything is covered under one manufacturer’s warranty.

Our specialty is being an ally to contractors and their customers. We offer sales tools that include color and design programs to assist the consumer in product and color selection (even using their own home) along with comprehensive installation/training programs that certify the contractor with the latest installation techniques.

Mastic happily takes a photo of your home, uploads it in their software, and lets you pick and chose what siding or shake products you want and where you want them. Here are some pictures that Mastic did for one of our customers last year.

Mastic Software takes your home and transforms it so you can see different siding products on your home.

These documents also come with a breakdown of exact Mastic Product and color that was used on your home

This sheet breaks down the mastic siding and shake products that were used on this home. — This sheet breaks down the Mastic siding and shake products that were used on this home.

We are set apart by product, people, and warranty.

Product: We offer a good-better-best in many styles in over 35 design colors. We make our ownMetal, Rainware, and I.M products with color coordination across all product platforms. All covered by one manufacturer’s warranty.

People: Easy access to our company. We don’t subcontract out to 3rd party customer service. Our people are trained and will come out to contractors to help with advertising and marketing, etc. We have local sales representatives.

Warranty: All Claims are not created equal. We still allow our reps to inspect warranty claims. No 3rd party inspections. All warranty calls are handled by PlyGem

Mastic sends out a Semi-truck decked out with a showroom of all their products to many county fairs and home shows across the nation. Every year, you can find Carlson Exteriors by the Mastic Semi Truck at the McLean County Art Fair.

I’ve been working very closely with Carlson Exteriors for over 7 years now. I’m trusted to go out and discuss warranty issues with Carlson’s customers. We keep Carlson Exteriors up to date on new products and programs. We also have visits from our marketing group to train Carlson’s sales people.

If you are one of our customers and happened to have a warranty issue with your Mastic vinyl siding, you’ll get to meet Collin! He’s our biggest advocate when it comes to getting your siding fixed up.

Click here to visit Carlson Exteriors Vinyl Siding page

Click here to be directed to Mastic’s Website

Intro to “Behind the Scenes” Blog Series

February 12, 2018February 12, 2018by carlsonexteriorsLeave a comment

The brands a contractor uses should not be an arbitrary decision. Any product that’s new to the construction industry is not offered immediately by Carlson Exteriors Inc. We wait and watch for a few things:

Does the product do what it claims to do- without fail!
Are there warranty issues? If there are, how does the manufacturer handle it?
Does the manufacturer provide adequate training for contractors?
Is the product a safe bet for homeowners?

Why Am I Telling You This?

Carlson Exteriors Inc. spends a long time debating and researching a product before we ever think about adding it to our exterior services. Our siding carries purpose. Our shingles have a backbone. Our gutters will never let you down. We always insist that every product performs perfectly – zero exceptions. It’s worth talking about – so we will! With our ‘Behind the Scenes’ blog series, we will go over products Carlson Exteriors has chosen to use and why. We will discuss our relationships with siding, roofing, gutters, and garage door companies, we’ll talk with manufacturers directly, and we’ll show you, the homeowner, how you fit into the grand equation.

DaVinci makes a polymer shake product that looks like real cedar shakes

Harbor Grey siding, white trim, deep granite board and batten in Normal il

Montana suede dark brown siding with Terra Bronze trim Weathered wood roof in Bloomington IL

Back porch with new Royal Celect siding and new trim around windows and doors

LP Smartside siding in Pewter with White trim and Black roof and Metal Roof accent

three single car garage wooden doors with arched windows

Dark Oak garage doors with arched stockton windows in Bloomington IL

EnviroDri on Apartments in Bloomington Il

royal-ironstone-dark-grey-siding-and-dark-grey-shakes-white-trim-certainteed-landmark-weathered-wood-roofing-in-morton-il

If you are interested in reading these articles, search “Behind the Scenes” on our website. It will show you all the articles that have been released.