Take it from Missouri's best roofing company, the easiest way to keep your roof in it's best shape so that it can last for years and years with little or no incident is to perform regular maintenance on it. It may not be the easiest place to get to, but the maintenance tasks are fairly simple. Midwest Renovation has a list of things that you can do to keep your roof in great shape.


Inspect It
First of all, you need to have someone get up there and take a good look at your roof at least once a year. You may be able to see the big things, like missing shingles or holes, but it takes a trained eye to catch the smaller problems that may turn into large ones if not taken care of. All it takes is one call to Midwest Renovation to schedule a FREE roof inspection. Our experts will take a close look at everything and let you know about any problems we find, plus give you an estimate and plan for getting them fixed when you're ready. 

Sweep It Off
Lots of things can end up on your roof, usually due to weather. Sticks, leaves, and other debris can do damage to shingles, and if they remain up there wet, can cause algae to begin growing on the roof. All of that stuff will eventually make its way into the gutters, too, which can clog them and cause leaks. Sweep or blow off this debris, and in the winter, consider investing in a snow rake. After a heavy snow, it's good to get it off the roof to avoid leaks or damage.

Trim Overhanging Branches
There will be a lot less debris on your roof if you trim back trees that are hanging over it. You especially want to make sure no large branches are directly over your roof. If a heavy one breaks and falls, it could put a big hole in your house.  

Replace Worn Caulk
Water can begin making its way under your roof when seals deteriorate. If you notice an cracks in the caulk around the flashing, joints, chimneys, or other areas, it will need to be removed, scrubbed, and resealed. If you aren't exactly sure how to take care of that, our mid-Missouri renovation company can easily do it for you. 

Remove Rust
During your inspection, if you see rust on any metal parts on your roof, it will need to be removed with a wire brush, primed, and painted. Cleaning it up is a lot easier and less expensive than having to replace it if you ignore the problem. 


Our Missouri construction company has a highly qualified and well-trained staff full of roofing experts that know what to look for during an inspection, and they also know the best ways to fix any problems so that the repairs last. When you are ready for your yearly roof inspection, don't hesitate to give Midwest Renovation a call at 1-866-230-5415. We will come out at no cost to you, and you won't owe us anything unless you choose to have work done. Keep that roof in good shape with regular maintenance and you will save yourself lots of worry, hassle, and money down the road. 

The siding on your house can give it excellent added curb appeal, but it's not just there for looks. Exterior siding is protection on the outside of your home to keep the inside safe, warm, and dry. Properly installed quality products are made to last a long time, but occasionally things do happen to shorten their lifespan. Our mid-Missouri construction company has a few warning signs for you to look for that indicate it's time to replace all or portions of your exterior siding. 


Damaged Areas
There are many different things that can cause damage to a home's siding. Among these are severe storms, hail, animals like woodpeckers or squirrels, or falling tree limbs. Look for dents, chips, cracks, holes, or any material that is loose. Always be sure to do an inspection after a big storm. If any of these problems are not corrected, water could get underneath the siding, causing expensive problems for the structure. 

Appearance of Mold, Mildew, or Fungus
If you see any of this on the surface of your siding, it's a sure sign that there is water underneath. This will need to be corrected before the dampness begins affecting the walls. 

Bubbles
Excessive heat or exposure to large amounts of water can sometimes cause small bubbles or blisters to form on the surface of the siding. This can be a good sign that water is trapped inside the house's frame. If you notice any change to the smoothness of your siding, you may need to replace that section right away. 

Discoloration
When you notice that your exterior siding has started to fade or change in color at all, that means that the waterproofing on it has reached its limits. You can expect to need a touch-up every 8-10 years, but if you are re-painting more often than that, you might need to put up brand new material. 

High Energy Costs
Siding helps to insulate your house. If there has been a huge spike in what you are spending to heat and cool it, new siding might remedy this problem. Our mid-Missouri home renovation team can help you find the right material for your particular building.  

Interior Wall Damage
Loose wallpaper or peeling paint on the inside of your home could be an indicator that water has made its way underneath the exterior siding. If that water has seeped in enough to cause interior problems, you may need more help than just new siding.  


Exterior siding has come a long way over the years. It lasts longer than ever and comes in a wide variety of colors and styles. Midwest Renovation even has access to materials that look similar to real wood or stone. Our renovation company in Missouri uses only the best quality materials, and our team members go through extensive training so they get the job done right. 

If you notice any of the signs that we listed above, or if you are considering renovating your Missouri house and would like to add brand new exterior siding, give us a call. We can provide you with a free inspection and estimate, letting you know exactly what to expect if you decide to have the work done. When we take on a project for you, we aren't finished until you are 100% satisfied. 

As we mentioned in last week's Your Deck Safety Checklist - Part 1 blog, May is Deck Safety Month. That blog discussed many of the construction elements that can be taken care of by our mid-Missouri renovation company, and this week we'll cover some of the things on and around your deck that need to be checked to keep everyone on it safe and sound, all season long. 




#6 - Grills, Fire Pits, etc...
Anything that you have on our deck that is a source of heat or fire, such as BBQ grills, fire pits, chimneys, outdoor heaters, or even candles, can be a hazard to your wooden deck. Keep the fires away from flammable surfaces, and consider placing them on a non-flammable pad. Keep all lighters, cleaners, and other chemical products stored securely out of reach. Never leave appliances unattended, and follow the manufacturer's directions when using them. If you've misplaced the instructions, they can usually be found on the manufacturer's website. 

#7 - Outdoor Furniture
At the beginning of each season, and periodically during the season, check to make sure your outdoor furniture is sturdy and in good condition. Don't place it too close to the edge of the deck where it could tip and fall over. Consider installing childproof latches on outdoor storage boxes, and keep them away from railings to avoid anyone standing on top of that piece of furniture and possibly falling over the railing. 

#8 - Cleaning & Maintenance
Clean fallen leaves and other debris off of your deck regularly. Not only can these things be a tripping or slipping hazard, mildew can form underneath and cause deterioration. If you see mildew present, or if the deck coating has worn away, clean it thoroughly and then apply a new waterproof coating. Refinishing your deck is something that Midwest Renovation would be happy to assist you with. 

#9 - Surrounding Trees
Keeping the trees surrounding your deck trimmed can help to keep the fallen leaves and sticks on it to a minimum. Make sure to clear away overhanging branches that pose a risk of falling and causing damage to the deck. 

#10 - Lighting & Electrical
Always keep outdoor lighting fixtures clean so that there is plenty of light for evening gatherings on your deck. Replace any burnt out bulbs immediately. Anything that is plugged in should have the cords secured so as not to be a tripping hazard. Double-check that all of the electrical outlets are up to code and in good, working condition. Our Missouri construction company can send someone out to do this inspection for you and fix any problems that may be found before they cause trouble. 



Making sure that your deck is as safe an area as possible will insure that you and your family have a long season of outdoor fun ahead of you all summer long and well into the fall. If you would like for Midwest Renovation to come out and take a look to make sure everything is exactly as it should be, our inspections are always free and performed by certified inspectors. 

You may also be ready to expand on your current deck, making room to host even more family and friends this year. Our construction company servicing all of Missouri can plan the entire project for you, using the best quality materials and a cost-effective approach that fits whatever your budget for the project may be. We can even help you find 0% financing for any updates or improvements that you are looking to make. Simply give us a call and we'll get everything started.   

May is set aside each year as Deck Safety Month. Spring is the perfect time to have our Missouri home renovation company come out to your home and perform a yearly deck inspection. The deck is where you and your family and friends will spend a lot time this summer, so an inspection now from Midwest Renovation will spot possible problems to avoid bigger, costly ones down the road. 



Time can take its toll on even the most well-built homes. Proper maintenance and early detection of wear and tear are the best way to keep your house in tip-top shape. This month we are focusing on a few things to keep an eye out for to make sure your deck is ready for a busy summer. 

Deck inspections require special knowledge, expertise, and experience, but the following checklist will give you a few things to keep an eye on. If you spot a problem, give our mid-Missouri construction company a call right away. 

#1 - Split or Decaying Wood
Take a good look at every inch of your deck, especially areas that remain damp or are regularly exposed to water. If you can break off pieces and no splinters are present, or if the wood is soft and spongy, that a sure sign that decay has set into that area. 

Other important areas to keep an eye on are the points where the deck attaches to the house (the ledger) and the posts and joists supporting the deck underneath. 

#2 - Flashing
One of the most common problems that a deck can have is with the flashing. This is a metal or plastic guard installed where the deck connects to the house. It is there to direct water away from the home, keeping moisture and other debris away from the deck's ledger. If you notice any spots where water is obviously getting through the flashing, it's time to replace it. 

#3 - Loose or Corroded Fasteners
The nails, screws, and anchors in a deck should show no sign of any type of rust or corrosion. If they do, this could begin deteriorating the wood around them. No fasteners should be popping out of the wood either. These will need to be pounded back in to keep everything fastened together securely as it should be.

#4 - Stairs
Decayed wood on the stairs is a very dangerous thing. They could easily give way when someone is walking up or down, causing great injury. The risers and stringers should be securely attached, and so should any railings or handrails. Also, if the area behind each stair is open, that opening should be no more than 4" high. If it is, you will want to have that adjusted for safety reasons. Another matter dealing with safety is keeping the pathway clear of planters and other items that could easily trip someone. 

#5 - Railings & Banisters
As with the stairs, check that all railings and banisters surrounding the deck are secure, especially if your deck is on a second floor or higher. These are meant to keep you safe from falling, and even the slightest looseness could be a problem. 



Those first five things to check on your deck deal with the materials it is made out of. Next week, we will take a look at the items on and surrounding the deck that could cause trouble if not maintained properly. Please keep in mind that these tips are meant to help you recognize possible problems, but a certified inspection is the only way to know for sure that everything is up to code. 

Our home renovation company servicing all of Missouri is happy to come out and take care of an inspection for you. Inspections and estimates are always done at no cost or obligation to you. You can request a quote directly from the Midwest Renovation website, or simply give us a call at 1-866-230-5415 to get one scheduled. We'll make sure your deck is ready for a summer full of fun! Watch for part 2 of our deck safety checklist next week.