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6 SAY YOU SAW IT IN SUBURBAN July 20, 2021 – August 23, 2021 National study shows what homeowners really want from their roofs ROOFS From 1 vere weather and is known for its longevity. “Mother Nature pounds roofs on a regular basis,” says Mark Pagel, general manager of DaVinci Roofscapes. “Homeowners recognize that hail, high winds and severe weather can take their toll on roofs. They’re reacting by seeking out roofing materials that will stand up to strong weather conditions. While price is an important consideration, respondents of the survey are focused more on value. They’re interested in investing in durable roofing materials, like synthetic slate and shake tiles, which are guaranteed to hold up to severe weather conditions.” Contractors are Influential When it comes time to select a specific roofing brand, 61 percent of MASSACHUSETTS homeowners are looking for a quality product. To find that roofing brand, 57 percent are relying on their contractor for recommendations, which is more than they do on family and friends (35 percent), or even their own personal experiences with a brand (37 percent). “Homeowners understand they may choose a new roof only once or twice in their lives,” says Pagel. “They also understand that contractors make these decisions many times a year for their projects. The research indicates homeowners respect and value the recommendation of contractors who work regularly with different building products.” 10-Year Comparison A national survey sponsored by DaVinci Roofscapes in 2011 provides insights into changes in consumer attitudes toward their homes in the PHOTO | GETTY IMAGES span of the last decade. In a comparison of the 2011 Color Study (conducted by Harris Research) and the 2021 Roof Purchasing Study, results show: • A strong growth in homeowners valuing the curb appeal of their personal properties in the past decade (78 percent viewing it as “extremely” or “very important” in 2011 as compared to 88 percent with similar feelings in 2021). • An increase in homeowners seeing their home exterior as a reflection of their personality (71 percent in 2011; 85 percent in 2021). • While durability remains the biggest influencer of a roofing purchase, the second-most popular influencer has changed dramatically. In 2011, longevity was the second response. In 2021, that has changed to pricing, up from the number eight position 10 years ago. • Severe weather damage remains the number one reason for replacing a roof. However, is 2011, 65 percent said severe weather would prompt a new roof purchase (with 9 percent reporting current roof damage from a weather-related event), compared to 57 percent in 2021 (with 32 percent reporting a currently damaged roof from severe weather). • While 23 percent of homeowners reported replacing their roof due to old age in 2011, 44 percent (almost double) said old age was the reason to replace a roof in the 2021 study. • Color preference has remained consistent. Black is still the most popular roof color, followed by gray, brown and beige/tan. For more roofing insights, visit davinciroofscapes.com. Bottom line? A new roof can be a good, solid investment, especially when your roof is able to withstand the elements over the years and look great while doing it.
July 20, 2021 – August 23, 2021 WWW.SUBURBANREALESTATENEWS.COM • 978-532-5880 7 STATEPOINT MASSACHUSETTS Protect your feet when tackling home improvement projects PHOTO | GETTY IMAGES Did you know many home and yard projects contain hidden dangers for your feet? The good news though, according to foot and ankle surgeons, is most injuries are avoidable if you take appropriate precautions. Amber Shane, DPM, FACFAS, an Orlando-area foot and ankle surgeon and Fellow Member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, sees many patients coming in with foot and ankle injuries from home improvement projects gone wrong. “Feet may be the last thing people think about while working on home improvement projects, but we see so many different types of foot and ankle injuries in our office -- many of which can be avoided with proper shoe wear and extra caution,” Dr. Shane says. Dr. Shane advises to avoid working in bare feet or in sandals when engaging in any projects around the house, even the projects that seem harmless such as power washing decks or using a ladder. According to Dr. Shane, if you’re not paying close attention while power washing, and not keeping a firm grip on the machine, the stream from the washer can hit your feet instead of your intended object. “The pressure from a heavy-duty power washer is strong enough to take off the superficial layer of skin, especially on the toes. So, it’s best to wear fully closed-toed shoes to help avoid injury or damage to the skin,” she says. Dr. Shane recommends wearing a sturdy, supportive shoe with good treads when doing roofing work or projects that require climbing up and down a ladder. “Sturdy shoes will provide proper traction to keep a good grip and prevent any slipping. Repeated climbing on ladders without good support can lead to injuries, including stress fractures and neuromas or nerve compressions,” she says. When working on wood surfaces such as decks or flooring, it’s best to wear closed-toe shoes to save your feet from slivers or puncture wounds from nails or wood splinters. Dr. Shane suggests, “To help protect your feet from injury, avoid wearing flip flops or soft-soled shoes, such as popular foam-type clogs, while in a construction zone with exposed wood.” If an injury does occur, Dr. Shane recommends contacting a foot and ankle surgeon near you to have the injury properly examined and treated, or for serious injuries, visiting the closest emergency room. To find a foot and ankle surgeon in your area and for more healthy feet tips, visit the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons’ patient education website at FootHealthFacts.org. DIY projects can bring tremendous joy and satisfaction to homeowners. At the same time, they are associated with certain risks. Use proper care and precaution to keep your feet safe and injury-free.
Page 1 and 2: VOL. 48, No. 5 MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE
Page 3 and 4: July 20, 2021 - August 23, 2021 WWW
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