Environmental sustainability and cost-effectiveness are at the forefront of homeowners’ minds, and finding ways to reduce energy consumption is crucial. Your house functions as a system, so each element of your exterior should be optimized. Here are four keyways you can achieve an energy-efficient e...

Failing to replace a faulty roof can have several negative consequences, including reduced energy efficiency, interior leaking, mold, mildew, and pest problems. And if the damage is severe enough, it can even cause structural damage. Not to mention the decreased property value. At Graves Brothers Ho...

Having a structurally sound roof is vital for protecting your home. Roof damage can result in several problems, including leaking, mold and mildew, pest infestations, reduced energy efficiency, and more. Not to mention it can lower your property value and create insurance complications. That’s why i...

When the sun beats down and summer temperatures soar, it can take a toll on your home in several ways: Subtle roof damage can occur where shingles start to buckle and weaken. If there’s inadequate airflow to your attic, the stifling heat can make shingles deteriorate more quickly and potenti...

Every shingle is critical for maintaining the integrity of your roof and protecting your home from the elements. If there are missing shingles, even just a few, it can potentially create leaks, which can result in several problems. These can include excess moisture, mold, higher energy bills, pest i...

Besides adding to the overall curb appeal, siding is important for several other reasons. Without the right siding, your home is susceptible to mold, less energy efficient, and is at a greater risk of structural damage. Signs that siding needs to be replaced include higher than normal energy...

Maintaining the integrity of your roof is essential for keeping your home safe and secure. It’s the part of your home that protects from natural elements like rain, snow, wind, heat, and cold. Over time, roofs can experience wear and tear. You may notice shingles that have become curled, cracked, or...

Solar Roofing options are becoming a more popular choice among homeowners, and for good reason. Solar technology offers great benefits, including saving money, reducing the cost of electric bills, reducing your carbon footprint, and increasing the value of your home. With more options availab...

Besides keeping your home dry and comfortable, proper insulation is critical for several other reasons. Without adequate insulation, it can raise your heating and cooling bills, increase your chance of mold growth, invite unwanted pests like mice and bugs, and increase your carbon emissions....

As the winter months are quickly approaching, and with heating costs continuing to rise, keeping your home warm can be a challenge. Aside from adding extra layers of clothing and blankets, and raising the thermostat, the next best thing to consider when wanting to stay warm is insulation. If your ho...

Keeping your gutters clean and free of debris is one of the best things you can do for your home. When gutters become clogged, it can cause damage to your roof, siding, and foundation, and can also cause basement flooding. Signs of gutter damage include holes, cracks, or rust spots throughout the gu...

There are many things that can affect the quality and structure of your roof. There can be damage from a storm, cracks or curling in the shingles, mold growing in the attic, or excessive shingle granules in gutters. Another problem you may notice is black streaks or stains on the asphalt of your roo...

Innovation and tax credits have made solar an option for more people than ever. With federal and NYS tax credits offering a combined $20,000 in savings, and the additional $1,200 you’ll save per year on energy-efficient home improvements, you can save thousands of dollars on home renovations. Not to...

With the cost of virtually everything on the rise these days, many homeowners have found themselves in the unique position of having to contemplate which issues to address immediately and which issues to put off until a later date. Unfortunately, minor roofing issues are often one of those seemingly...

Summer is one of the most popular times of the year to start working on the home improvement projects you’ve been putting off during the winter. Many homeowners, however, find themselves lost in a maze of confusion when it comes to choosing a remodeling company they can have confidence in and can tr...

Gutters provide a clean-looking edge around your roofline, but their purpose is more than decorative. Their importance is easy to overlook --- if they are functioning properly. But when a gutter is blocked or leaking, you'll quickly notice its significance in keeping your home intact and free of...

Using renewable energy and reducing our carbon footprint is important for the health of the planet. Graves Brothers Home Improvement is doing our part by offering solar panel roofs to our customers in Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse. How Does a Solar-Panel Roof Work? A solar panel roo...

The challenges of a poorly insulated home can manifest in many different ways. High energy bills, drafty rooms, uneven heating and cooling, and icicles on your roof are just a few. It is important that you know the cause of these issues, and the first step is to meet with a professional. The...

What Is a Home Performance Audit? High energy bills, drafty rooms, dampness, and uneven temperatures are all symptoms of larger issues. Your home works as a system, so putting a band-aid over one thing may not fix the source. A Graves Brothers Home Performance Audit is a review of your home...

Automatic Backup Generator FAQ In Western New York, our winters can be unpredictable and problematic. Power outages are common --- and when they occur, everyone wishes they had a generator. Graves Bros. Home Improvement has collected our most frequently asked questions to help you decide if...

Have you given any thought to your insulation? If your insulation is old or inadequate, you may have felt the effects --- and not known that your insulation was the problem. Graves Bros. Home Improvement has put together a list of signs that you may not realize indicate issues with your insulati...

Hail causes about $1 billion in damage to buildings, cars, houses, and crops in the US every year. You may have noted damage to your car or siding, but have you had your roof checked? How Hail Damages Your Roof Hailstones are formed when raindrops are blown upward into an extremely cold at...

At Graves Bros. Home Improvement Co., we get lots of questions about solar panels. We thought it would be helpful to collect some of the most frequently asked questions and answer them here for you. Solar-Panel Roofing FAQ 1. How Does a Solar-Panel Roof Work? Solar panels are made up of...

Is there anyone out there who hasn't heard of a handyman or a general contractor? These are pretty well-known professions, especially if you're a homeowner. Do you know which occupation is better for one job as opposed to another, though? There are differences between the two that you should...

Do-it-yourself wisdom is abundant in books, online, and on TV, including instructions on how to put on a roof. All of this should prove very helpful -- that is, if you're hoping to be more informed about how to do roofing and what the roofers you hire are doing. If you plan to install the new ro...

Types of Siding to Consider for Your WNY Home When properly cared for, your home siding can last anywhere from twenty to over forty years -- depending on the material, installation quality, wear and tear, and other factors. It's a good thing siding improvements are ongoing, too. There are som...

Spring just arrived, so we should all be getting ready to inspect our roofs, attic and gutters for missing shingles, wear and tear, cracks, clogs, and mold growth. Winters in Western New York bring below-freezing temperatures, heavy snow, ice, and wind, all of which can lead to major problems...

Finding a contractor to fix or replace your roof can be a daunting task. When it comes to something as costly as a roof replacement, we want to know that we're hiring the best of the best. Hiring a local roofing contractor has unique advantages. Below are 5 benefits to keep in mind when choosing...

Every homeowner at some point will experience roof damage. With regular maintenance and taking care of minor problems as they arise, replacing your roof should be scheduled, rather than needed, to solve a major problem. Not all home improvement decisions are cut and dry. It's sometimes accept...

Winters in the Northeast can bring sudden, unpredictable weather. Freezing temperatures, blizzards, sleet, and freezing rain all have an impact on your home's exterior and for some, their interior. Whether you are a homeowner, commercial property owner, or property manager, you can take steps to...