Old, drafty windows are a nuisance – they not only ruin the comfort of your home, especially if you live in regions that gets colder weather, but they also make you waste money by increasing cooling and heating bills. One of the best solution for the problem is to get the old, dysfunctional windows replaced with new ones – here is why:

• Old windows are usually single-pane structures in wooden frames, while modern windows use two or three panes separated by vacuum or gas to further improve efficiency and are available with varied frame designs. A good double or triple window can reduce the amount of energy lost through the window by at least 25-50% in cold periods and around 20% in summer,

• Double or triple-pane windows provide excellent insulation from noise as well, so they are especially useful for homes in noisy areas such as for buildings close to busy roads,

• New windows add curb appeal to the building and increase the resale value of the property. However, local talented masonry restoration Connecticut experts often recommend restoring the windows as much as possible, but update glass to increase insulation;

• New windows might seem expensive, but you don’t have to pay the entire price – you can check your possibilities to apply for a federal tax credit to reduce the financial burden of installing, energy-efficient windows on your home.

Connecticut has humid continental climate, with warm summers that get high precipitation and winters that are quite cold, but get moderate amounts of precipitation. The four seasons are distinct and temperatures do not vary extremely during short periods. The balanced climate is quite mild on Connecticut roofs, making shingles the perfect solution for buildings in the area – here are the varieties that work best:

• Asphalt shingles – the lightest weight and the most affordable variety of all shingles features high resistance to tearing, humidity, sunshine and winds provides great protection for any building. For local installation look to the professional folks at New England Masonry and Restoration;
• Dimensional shingles – these are thicker shingles made from multiple layers of material to create a three-dimensional appearance and to offer more protection to your home than asphalt shingles. Dimensional shingles are also more expensive and heavier than asphalt shingles; 
• Wood shingles – expensive varieties that need expert installation and regular maintenance, but uniquely beautiful products that work great on historical buildings;
• Composite shingles – made from various materials such as rubber compounds or resins, composite shingles carry the longest warranties of all shingle varieties. They are very popular because they efficiently replicate natural materials that are much more expensive such as slate, other varieties of stone or wood.

If you’re visiting New England this summer, you’ll find there are a lot of great things to do without having to travel too far. This diverse area is ripe with everything from lakes, water parks and natural hiking trails, to unique venues, lighthouses, food festivals and much more.  Pay attention to the communities here too, as amazing work from local commercial roofing Connecticut experts show off their talent.

But what are the most fun and enjoyable things to do in New England before the summer comes to an end? Let’s take a look:

• Cotton candy, arcade fun and a relaxing day at the beach are just some of the things you can enjoy while touring some of the most happening boardwalks of New England. Hampton Beach in New Hampshire is considered the best, but make sure to also visit Salisbury Beach for a truly unique experience.
• Your New England summer will not be complete without a fun and exciting hiking trip. Trails like those along the Camel’s Hump or Mount Washington will show you the full splendor of New England’s stunning landscapes.
• Waterplace Park in downtown Providence should definitely be one of the first places you visit in New England. Created by Barnaby Evans, an award-winning sculptor, this masterpiece is comprised by more than 100 bonfires blazing just above the three rivers that pass through Providence.

There are many other exciting places to visit and things to do in New England that you should definitely consider. Fishing along the local lakes and sea coasts, water rafting in Maine, or visiting the soothing waterfalls of New Hampshire are among the other activities that will make your summer truly memorable.

Choosing the best place to live isn’t always just about the infrastructure, how many restaurants serve great food or how good the school system is. Although all these are important factors, you’ll find that, when moving to Connecticut, the importance of buying a house in a friendly and lively family-supporting environment cannot be emphasized enough.

1. Old Greenwich

This is one of the friendliest and most diverse towns in Connecticut. Old Greenwich is peaceful, friendly and close to the beach. Best of all, the town is deemed extremely safe, fabulous masonry restoration services too, so it’s a great place to move to with your entire family. Whether you’re more interested in fashionable clothes or in having a good old fashioned American barbecue, you’ll find everything you need here.

2. Weatogue

Weatogue is the perfect place to move to if you want to enjoy a quiet and peaceful walk in the woods followed by a delicious meal at the local restaurant. A quiet urban community perfect for family life and filled with beautiful parks and soccer fields, Weatogue is one of the few towns with genuinely helpful school programs and where the local neighborhoods are all friendly, inviting and free of crime.

3. New Canaan

New Canaan is quite possibly the perfect place for raising a family. Here you can relax and enjoy the tranquility and diversity that Connecticut is known for, while also enjoying a somewhat more upscale lifestyle. From 50s diners to gourmet restaurants, there are plenty of food places to consider. Also, the houses and mansions here are extremely beautiful, the school system is among the best, and New Canaan is close to New York City.

Moving to Connecticut is no easy task, especially when you have so many great places to choose from. However, when it comes to selecting the best real estate areas in the region, there are a few that stand out more than any other.  There are many areas that have wonderful historic building restoration neighborhoods that should be considered.

South Windsor – A Great Location for Families

From the school system to infrastructure, restaurants, food places and clothing stores, South Windsor has just about everything you can hope for. If you want to move with your family to Connecticut, the relaxing family life in this small town will be perfect for you.

A Great Place for Students in Avon

Avon allows for the same peaceful and relaxing lifestyle associated with South Windsor, but also provides children and students with the opportunity to expand their horizons and target better careers later in life. Students are encouraged to volunteer, join internships and discover their areas of interest more proficiently. Also, there are local service agencies that can help them play a more active role when it comes to civic involvement.

An Unforgettable Experience Moving to Simsbury

Although the median home value is somewhat higher than in the other two areas, Simsbury is considered to be one of the very best places to live in Connecticut – especially if you have a family with young children.

The schools here are outstanding, and the crime rate is very low. Moreover, most of the people who recently moved here were pleasantly surprised by the friendly and inviting community of this quaint little New England town. The people are engaging, well-educated and helpful.