• By Lonestar Siding & Windows
• In Home Improvement, Replacement Windows, Screened In Porches, Siding, Sunrooms, Windows

The Backyard Barbecue Test

June has arrived in Richmond, and you can really feel the change. Fireflies are everywhere, kids are finishing up school, and weekends are filling up with backyard cookouts and block parties.

With more time spent outside, we naturally notice our homes’ exteriors more. When was the last time you really looked at your home from the yard?

How Does Your Home’s Exterior Make You (and Your Guests) Feel?

At Lonestar Siding & Windows, we call this the “Backyard Barbecue Test.” When friends and family gather on your patio, do you feel proud of your home, or do you hope they don’t see the peeling paint or drafty windows? If your home isn’t passing the test, here’s why mid-summer is the perfect time to make a change.

Cure the “Siding Shame” Before Your Next Party

Your siding covers most of your home’s exterior. If it looks faded, chalky, or warped from the strong Virginia sun, it can make your whole property look less appealing.

Upgrading your siding isn’t just about looks. New materials, like the premium fiber cement siding we use, are made to stand up to strong UV rays and won’t fade easily. Your home will look fresh and bright for summer gatherings, and you’ll also get better protection from sudden afternoon storms.

Keep the Cool Air In (and the AC Bills Down)

While you’re out grilling, your air conditioner is probably working hard. June heat in Central Virginia is serious, and if your windows are old or failing, you might be cooling the whole neighborhood instead of just your home.

Here are the mid-summer red flags to watch for:

• The “Oven” Effect: Stand next to a sun-facing window in the late afternoon. If you can feel the heat radiating off the glass, your windows are failing to reflect thermal energy.
• The AC Never Stops: If your thermostat is set to a reasonable temperature but your system is running constantly, drafty windows and poorly insulated siding are likely the culprits.
• Difficulty Opening: Windows that have bent by the summer heat and become difficult to open or close no longer create an airtight seal.

Switching to modern, energy-efficient windows makes a big difference right away. Your home will cool off faster, rooms will stay at a steady temperature, and you’ll notice the savings on your next utility bill.

A Stress-Free Summer Project

We understand that starting a big home improvement project can seem overwhelming, especially in the busy summer. That’s why we take a different approach.

Since 1978, we’ve built our reputation on trust and respect for our neighbors. When you invite us to your home, you’ll get an honest assessment and a fair price from real local experts, not a pushy sales pitch. Plus, we guarantee you won’t pay anything until work actually starts on your home.

Our crews are now settled into our new Ashland headquarters, fully stocked and ready to help you update your home’s exterior. Let us handle the hard work so you can enjoy your summer. Call us at 804-266-1717 today!