FAQ

We strongly recommend having your roof inspected twice a year: once in the spring to check for any damage from winter weather (like ice dams or heavy snow), and again in the fall to ensure it's prepared for the upcoming winter. You should also get an inspection immediately after any severe weather event (like a major wind or hail storm). Regular inspections help keep your roof warranty valid and catch small issues before they become costly leaks.

Look out for these common warning signs:

• Missing, cracked, curled, or buckling shingles.
• Granules (which look like coarse black sand) collecting in your gutters or downspouts.
• Water stains on interior ceilings or walls, or signs of mold/mildew in your attic.
• Sagging areas of the roof deck.
• A roof that is over 20 years old (for most asphalt shingles).
• Visible dark or stained areas on the shingles (often algae or moss growth, common in Maryland's humid climate).

It depends on the extent of the damage. A few missing shingles or minor flashing damage can often be fixed with a cost-effective repair. However, if the roof is near the end of its typical lifespan (over 20 years for standard asphalt), has extensive structural damage, or has damage spread across more than 30% of its area, a full replacement is usually the smarter, longer-term investment. We provide a free assessment to give you an honest recommendation.

Given Maryland's humid summers and potential for snow/ice in winter, you need a durable material with good moisture and heat resistance. The top choices are:

• Architectural Asphalt Shingles: This is the most popular option, offering excellent value. We install GAF shingles, which are often manufactured with algae-resistant granules to fight the black/green streaking caused by humidity.
• Metal Roofing: Metal is an outstanding choice for longevity (40-70+ years) and energy efficiency. It doesn't absorb moisture, which makes it naturally resistant to mold, and its reflective surface can lower your cooling costs during hot Maryland summers.

Our GAF Master Elite® certification puts us in the top 2-3% of all roofing contractors nationwide. This elite status means:

• We've met GAF's strict standards for quality, training, and customer satisfaction.
• We can offer you the strongest warranties in the industry, including the GAF Golden Pledge® Limited Warranty, which covers both materials and our workmanship. This level of protection is unmatched by most non-certified contractors.

For most residential homes, a complete roof replacement can typically be completed in one to three days, depending on the size and complexity of your roof (e.g., number of peaks, skylights, chimneys), the weather, and the size of the crew. We will provide a clear timeline with your project estimate.

Protecting your property is a top priority. Our crew will:

• Use tarps and protective barriers to shield your landscaping, decks, and siding.
• Control debris flow to minimize mess.
• Perform a thorough cleanup using magnetic nail sweeps to ensure no nails or metal fragments are left behind on your lawn or driveway.

Absolutely. Ace Home Improvements is a fully licensed and insured home improvement contractor in Maryland (MHIC License Number available upon request). This is non-negotiable. Our licensing ensures we comply with all state and local building codes, and our comprehensive General Liability and Worker's Compensation insurance protects you from financial liability in the event of an accident or property damage during the project.

Storm damage can be visible or hidden. After a major storm, look for:

• Wind Damage: Missing, cracked, curled, or creased shingles. Loose or fallen gutters and downspouts. Tree or debris damage.
• Hail Damage: Small, dark-colored dents or "dings" on asphalt shingles where protective granules have been knocked off, exposing the underlying material. Dented gutters, downspouts, or siding can also be a sign of hail impact.
• Water Damage: Water spots or stains on your ceilings, walls, or damp insulation in your attic. This indicates a roof breach that requires immediate attention.

For safety, we strongly recommend you do not climb onto your roof. You can safely inspect your property from the ground using binoculars. Check your yard, deck, and gutters for fallen shingles or excessive amounts of shingle granules (which look like coarse sand). If you suspect damage, call a professional like Ace Home Improvements for a safe, thorough inspection.

Prevent Further Damage: If there is a leak, you should take reasonable, temporary measures to prevent further damage, like putting a tarp over the affected area. Ace Home Improvements offers emergency tarping services to quickly secure your home.

Document the Damage: Take photos and videos of all visible damage.

Call Ace Home Improvements: Contact us right away for a free, professional damage assessment and a repair plan. We can help you determine the full extent of the damage before you file your claim.

As a full-service storm damage contractor serving Anne Arundel County, we handle comprehensive restoration from high winds, hail, and fallen trees, including:

• Roof Repair and Full Roof Replacement
• Siding Repair and Replacement
• Gutter Repair and Replacement
• Emergency services like temporary roof tarping
• Full insurance restoration

We specialize in insurance restoration and have handled thousands of claims since 2007. We simplify the recovery process by:

• Providing a free, professional damage assessment.
• Offering emergency services like tarping to stop leaks immediately.
• Employing experienced workmen and an insurance claim specialist to work with you.
• Being a highly reputable, local Crofton contractor.

Most homeowner's policies cover sudden and accidental damage from perils like wind, hail, and fallen trees. However, coverage depends on your specific policy (e.g., Replacement Cost Value vs. Actual Cash Value) and your deductible. We recommend reviewing your policy and calling us for an inspection to determine if filing a claim is necessary.

We act as your expert partner to help simplify the process:

• Documentation: We provide detailed photos and reports from our inspection to support your claim.
• Adjuster Meeting: Our insurance specialist can meet with your insurance adjuster to ensure all storm-related damage—including hidden issues—is properly documented and accounted for.
• Scope of Work Review: We review the insurance company's scope of work and settlement amount to make sure it accurately covers the cost for a quality, complete restoration.
• Paperwork: We assist with the necessary paperwork to ensure you receive what you are due under your policy.

We advise calling Ace Home Improvements first for a free inspection. Our professional assessment will confirm if the damage is significant enough to warrant filing a claim. Having our detailed documentation and expert assessment before you call the insurance company gives you a clear path forward and ensures all damage is noted from the start.

A denial is not always the final answer. If you believe the decision is incorrect, we can help you with the dispute process. We can offer a second opinion and provide additional evidence and documentation to help you schedule a re-inspection with your insurance provider.

Look for these key indicators on your Crofton home:

• Warping, Buckling, or Separating: This often means the siding is old, was improperly installed, or is damaged by moisture or heat, compromising its protective seal.
• Excessive Fading or Peeling Paint: Faded or chalky siding has lost its UV protection, and persistent peeling paint often indicates moisture issues beneath the surface.
• Mold, Mildew, or Fungus: Growth is common in Maryland’s humid climate, but if it’s widespread and hard to clean, it could signal water is being trapped.
• High Energy Bills: Damaged siding or the lack of modern, insulated siding can cause your home to lose a lot of heated or cooled air.
• Bubbles or Blisters: This usually means there’s trapped moisture inside the siding panel, a clear sign of a potential water problem.

The lifespan depends heavily on the material:

• Vinyl Siding: Typically lasts 20–40 years with proper maintenance.
• Fiber Cement Siding (e.g., James Hardie): Can last 50 years or more and offers superior durability against pests and fire.

Not always. If the siding is still relatively new and we can find an exact match, we can often perform a targeted repair. However, if your existing siding material or color is discontinued, or if the damage is widespread (e.g., across a large portion of one side due to storm damage), a full replacement may be necessary to ensure a seamless look and consistent protection.

The two most popular and effective materials we install in the Crofton area are:

• Vinyl Siding (CertainTeed and Alside): This is the most cost-effective option. Modern, high-quality vinyl is highly resistant to moisture, won't rot or attract pests, and is durable enough to handle Maryland's temperature fluctuations.
• Fiber Cement Siding (James Hardie): This material is engineered for extreme durability. It's incredibly long-lasting, highly resistant to moisture damage, insect damage, fire, and strong winds. It offers the look of wood without the high maintenance.

Yes, significantly. When we install new siding, we often include a layer of insulation or house wrap beneath it. This exterior insulation acts as a thermal break, reducing heat transfer. This helps keep your home cooler in the humid Maryland summers and warmer in the winter, leading to lower utility bills.

Choosing brands like CertainTeed, Alside, or James Hardie ensures you get superior quality, backed by the manufacturer. These products are rigorously tested for:

• Durability against impact, wind, and UV rays.
• Color Retention (less fading).
• Stronger Warranties on both materials and color finish.

For an average-sized home, installation typically takes 3–7 days, depending on complexity. The process includes:

• Old Siding Removal (Tear-Off): We remove the old material and haul away all debris.
• Prep Work: We inspect the underlying sheathing for any rot or damage and then apply a protective house wrap to create a crucial water and air barrier.
• Insulation (Optional but Recommended): We may add foam insulation board for an extra layer of energy efficiency.
• Siding Installation: We install the new siding panels, trim, soffit, and fascia, ensuring all work is done to manufacturer specifications to maintain warranty coverage.
• Final Cleanup: We perform a thorough site cleanup, leaving your property pristine.

Yes. We offer manufacturer warranties on the materials we install (which can range from 25 years to 50 years, or even a Lifetime warranty, depending on the product) and a workmanship warranty on our labor. We stand behind the quality of every installation we perform.

Look for these common indicators that your windows are failing, especially in the Mid-Atlantic climate:

• Noticeable Drafts: If you feel cold air coming in during the winter or hot air in the summer, the window seals or frames are compromised. This is the clearest sign of poor efficiency.
• Condensation Between Panes: Fogging or moisture trapped between the layers of glass means the insulated gas seal has failed. The window is no longer providing its designed thermal protection.
• Difficulty Operating: Windows that stick, are hard to open or close, or fail to stay open often have warped frames or failing hardware, which compromises both function and safety.
• Visible Damage: Cracks in the glass, soft or rotting wood frames, or warped vinyl frames are all signs of structural failure and a need for replacement.
• High Energy Bills: Old or single-pane windows can account for up to 40% of your annual heating and cooling costs. An unexplained spike in utility bills is a major sign they are failing.

With professional installation and choosing high-quality materials, new replacement windows typically last 20 to 25 years or more. The actual lifespan is often tied to the specific manufacturer's product and warranty.

To handle Maryland's humid summers and chilly winters, focus on these critical features:

• Low-E (Low-Emissivity) Glass: This coating reflects heat. In the summer, it reflects solar heat outward to keep your home cool. In the winter, it reflects heat inward to keep your home warm.
• Insulated Glass (Double or Triple-Pane): Double-pane with an inert gas like Argon between the layers is the standard for excellent insulation. Triple-pane offers maximum thermal performance, which may be beneficial for north-facing windows or very exposed areas.
• ENERGY STAR Certification: Look for the ENERGY STAR label, which guarantees the window meets specific energy efficiency criteria set by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) for our region.
• Low U-Factor: The U-factor measures how well a window prevents heat from escaping. A lower U-factor (ideally 0.30 or below) means better thermal performance for the winter.

Ace Home Improvements typically recommends:

• Vinyl: The most popular choice due to its excellent insulation properties, affordability, minimal maintenance requirements, and resistance to moisture and pests.
• Fiberglass: Offers outstanding strength, minimal expansion/contraction with temperature changes, and superior durability, though it comes at a higher price point than vinyl.

While Double-Hung windows are the most common style, Casement windows (which crank open outward) are often considered the most energy-efficient operational window. This is because the sash presses tightly against the frame when closed, creating an extremely tight, near-airtight seal.

While savings vary based on your home's age and existing windows (e.g., replacing single-pane vs. clear double-pane), homeowners who switch to ENERGY STAR certified windows often see significant reductions. According to some estimates, Maryland homeowners replacing single-pane windows can save an average of $263 annually, while those replacing clear double-pane windows can save an average of $93 annually on utility bills.

A quality warranty should be comprehensive, covering three main areas:

• Glass Coverage: Should cover seal failure (fogging/condensation between the panes) and manufacturer defects for the lifetime of the product.
• Frame and Hardware: Should cover defects like warping, peeling, cracking, and mechanical failure of locks or balance systems.
• Labor/Installation: Ace Home Improvements provides a workmanship warranty to cover any issues that arise from improper installation, which is crucial as improper installation can void a manufacturer's product warranty.

A transferable warranty is a major benefit and adds value to your home. While the terms depend on the specific manufacturer's product, many high-quality replacement window warranties are transferable to a subsequent homeowner, though there may be a specific time limit or a small fee to process the transfer. We will review the transferability terms with you during your consultation.

Ace Home Improvements, LLC is listed as a Deck Builder in the Crofton, MD area. As a general home improvement contractor, their services would typically include building new decks, deck replacement, and potentially redecking (replacing the surface boards on an existing frame) for residential properties. They also provide other services like roofing, siding, and home additions.

Ace Home Improvements serves a wide area in Central Maryland, including Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Calvert County, Charles County, Howard County, and Montgomery County.

The two most common decking materials are wood (most often pressure-treated lumber, cedar, or redwood) and composite/PVC decking.

Pressure-Treated Wood: More affordable initially, but requires significant maintenance (annual sealing/staining) and has a shorter lifespan (typically 10-15 years) in Maryland's humid climate, as it is prone to warping, cracking, and rot.

Composite/PVC Decking (e.g., Trex, TimberTech): More expensive upfront, but offers a very high return on investment due to low maintenance (only occasional cleaning) and exceptional durability against Maryland weather, lasting 25-50 years. Composite resists moisture damage, rot, and insects, making it the ideal choice for homeowners prioritizing longevity and minimal upkeep in the region.

While costs vary significantly based on size and design, generally:

• Initial Cost: Pressure-treated wood is initially less expensive. In Maryland, an installed composite deck can cost significantly more than a wood deck of the same size.
• Long-Term Cost: Composite decking is often more cost-effective over time. A wood deck requires ongoing maintenance (staining, sealing, repairs), which can add several thousand dollars to the lifetime cost. Composite decking's minimal maintenance and longer lifespan often make the total long-term investment comparable to or less than wood.

A permit is required for any structural work like building a new deck or expanding an existing one. For simple deck builds in Anne Arundel County, you can generally expect the building permit review process to take around 2 to 3 weeks. However, more complex projects, including those requiring grading permits or involving zoning complexities, can take longer, sometimes requiring a total timeline of up to 4-8 weeks, or even longer in some cases. Submitting a complete and accurate application is essential to prevent delays.

You should consider replacing your wood deck if you notice any of these key warning signs, which are common after years of exposure to Maryland's climate:

• Age: The deck is over 15–20 years old, as wood degrades over time.
• Rot or Decay: Boards, posts, or the crucial ledger board (which connects the deck to your house) feel soft, spongy, or crumble when tested.
• Structural Instability: Wobbly railings, loose stair treads, or noticeable sagging/bouncing in the deck floor.
• Hardware Failure: Rusted fasteners, or nails and screws that are popping up or pulling away from the wood.
• Widespread Board Damage: Deep cracks, excessive splinters, or heavily warped boards that create tripping hazards.
• Pest Infestation: Evidence of wood-destroying insects like termites, carpenter ants, or carpenter bees in the structure.

Customers can contact the company directly to schedule a consultation with a representative. Ace Home Improvements also lists that they offer online estimates. You can reach them by phone at (301) 392-9293.

Roofing services are a primary offering. Ace Home Improvements, LLC is a GAF Master Elite® Certified Roofing Contractor and provides a full range of services including roof installation, repair, and replacement for asphalt shingle roofing. They also handle emergency roof repairs and storm damage restoration.

In addition to roofing, windows, and siding, they offer:

• Gutter installation and replacement, including seamless K-style gutters and the option to install Leaf Relief® gutter guards.
• Door replacement, including entry, patio, and storm doors.
• Deck construction and replacement, offering maintenance-free decks.

Yes. They provide attic insulation installation services to help homeowners reduce heating and cooling costs and improve their home's energy efficiency.

Ace Home Improvements, LLC offers major interior remodeling services, including:

• Bathroom Remodels
• Basement Remodels
• Kitchen Remodeling

Yes, Ace Home Improvements, LLC includes home additions as one of their major home improvement and remodeling services.

They serve homeowners throughout Anne Arundel County and surrounding counties in Maryland, as well as the Southern Maryland and Northern Virginia areas.