Category: whats-new

Is Your Roof Suffering from Bad Shingles?

Posted on by mm@WebDev

Have you looked up at your roof recently and noticed things aren’t looking like they used to? Perhaps some of the shingles are no longer in the best condition. If that’s the case, now is the right time to get those shingles repaired or replaced before winter rolls in. So, if you’ve noticed wear, now what?

Replace or repair?

The following are warning signs to look out for to know when it’s time for your shingles to be replaced:

  • Shingle edges are curled or shingle tabs are cupped
  • Broken, cracked or missing shingles
  • Buckling shingles
  • Bald spots on the shingles where the granules are missing
  • Your roof is at least 20 years old; while many shingles today are produced for durability, many factors can accelerate the aging of shingles.
Architectural Roofing Shingles, North America’s #1 selling shingle, and Tamko Heritage® Laminated Asphalt Shingles
Have you looked up at your roof recently and noticed things aren’t looking like they used to? Luckily, fall is the best time of year to repair or replace roof shingles. Boilards carries GAF Timberline® Architectural Roofing Shingles, North America’s #1 selling shingle, and Tamko Heritage® Laminated Asphalt Shingles

If you notice any of the warning signs above, we recommend contacting a professional roofing contractor to help determine the extent of the damage. An inspection will uncover whether there’s any underlying damage to the roof below the shingles. Your contractor will help you determine whether to replace your shingles entirely or if there’s a possibility for them to be repaired. Asphalt shingles can be patched over the course of their life, but it may be better for the health of your roofing foundation to simply replace the shingles.

Save the install for fall

When you need your shingles replaced, fall is the perfect time of year. After the summer storms and before the winter freezes, autumn offers great weather for roof installation and a chance to get your house ready to face snow, ice and cold temperatures. Be sure to book your roofing contractor in advance, as you may need to allow several weeks of lead time before a crew is sent to your home. Also, many homeowners are catching on to the fact that September through November is the ideal time for replacing your roof, furthering the need to plan ahead. Here are some reasons why fall is the prime season:

  1. Summer wind and rain takes a toll on your roof, especially when it’s approaching the end of its lifespan. Asphalt shingles normally last about 20 years; wood or laminate up to 50 years; clay tiles 80 years; and slate as long as 100 years. Inspect your roof at summer’s end and take care of any problems promptly. If you need to order a roof repair, you’ll save money by doing it on your own schedule instead of contacting a contractor for an emergency job.
  2. Fall has the ideal weather conditions for repairing your roof. Roofing is best installed on a clear day when the thermostat is above 45–50 degrees, particularly if you are using asphalt shingles. This allows the shingle seal strips to melt and adhere properly due to ambient warmth, a process known as thermal sealing. There will be better working conditions for your contractor as well.
  3. Shingles tend to become brittle and more difficult to work with as the air grows colder. It is much easier to break a cold, brittle shingle when fastening it in place, forcing contractors to hand nail shingles rather than using a roofing gun, which makes the job more complicated and slower.
  4. Another reason to take care of roofing in the autumn is that once winter starts up, any existing holes or leaks will inevitably get worse. Add the weight of heavy snowfall or the buildup of ice dams and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.
  5. Reroofing in autumn saves on heating bills and keeps your family cozy in the winter. If your HVAC system is located in the attic, roof repairs will help it operate effectively.

All the materials you need, under one roof

Boilard Lumber carries shingle lines for GAF Timberline® Architectural Roofing Shingles, North America’s #1 selling shingle, and Tamko Heritage® Laminated Asphalt Shingles. The GAF Timberline dimensional shingles are offered in eight color options: barkwood, hickory, charcoal black, pewter gray, shakewood, foxhollow gray, wethered wood and slate gray. Tamko dimensional shingles come in four color options: weatherwood, old English pewter, Virginia slate and rustic black. Other colors and options are available via special order.

Fortunately, the signs of a problem roof are easy to spot. If you see any of them, it’s time to visit Boilard Lumber.

Celebrate the tax-free holiday, plus 10% off in-stock decking

Posted on by mm@WebDev

We invite you to join us and celebrate the tax-free holiday in Massachusetts on Saturday from 7:30AM to 12:30PM! Save 10% on all in-stock deck boards, including Trex and Azek. We also have a vast array of building materials including lumber, roofing materials, drywall, paint and tools, plus we beat the big box stores when it comes to quality and service. Stop by and pre-plan your project today!

If You Build It, They Will Come: Boilard’s Keys To A Successful Deck Design

Posted on by mm@WebDev

It has become a great American tradition to expand one’s outdoor living space by adding a deck to a home. Whether you plan to do it yourself or hire a professional, the key to success is factoring in all the critical design issues, picking the right material for your budget and building a structure that will withstand the test of time.

What Will You Do On Your Deck?

When planning the layout of your new deck, you need to consider what kind of activities you’ll be doing to dictate the size, shape and features. If you plan on eating family meals around the outdoor table, it’s recommended that you add 4 feet around the table, so people can walk behind those who are seated. If hosting barbecues and parties is in your future, you’ll want to accommodate space for a grill as well as a prep station and serving area. To just kick back and relax after a long week, you’ll want to create a zone for lounge chairs and a table, possibly even a fire pit if your local codes allow it.

Test Drive Your Layout

Once you have your deck plan designed, use stakes and string to outline your deck’s footprint and visualize how much yard space it will cover. Arrange furniture within the outline to see if there’s enough clearance, and walk around to see if you like the shape, circulation and views.

Know Your Materials

If you want a deck that’s easy to care for, choose manufactured boards, but if appearance is a driving factor, opt for wood. Here are overviews of some of the most popular decking materials so you can make the best decision for your needs.

• Pressure-Treated Wood: The most affordable option that’s easy to work with and takes stains and waterproofing easily. Requires frequent cleaning, resealing and re-staining.

• Composite: Offered in a range of colors and textures and long-lasting if cared for properly. Won’t splinter, crack or rot. Some products look less wood-like than others. Some brands can scuff and scratch and spills can leave stains. Be sure to research specifications from the manufacturer prior to purchasing.  Scuffs and scratches easily and spills can leave stains.

• PVC: Delivers superior resistance to moisture and won’t swell or shrink. Easy to clean and not prone to rot or termites. Some products look less wood-like than others.

• Cedar or Redwood: Easy to work with, offers natural insect resistance and weathers to a gorgeous shade of gray. A relatively expensive option that’s not available everywhere and requires frequent maintenance and waterproofing.

• Tropical Hardwood: The most expensive option. Long-lasting if cared for properly. Offers natural resistance to rot and insects. Quickly dulls cutting blades and installation is labor-intensive.

Don’t Overload It

Most decks are designed to support 60 pounds per square foot, which includes the weight of the deck (the “dead load”) as well as people and furniture (the “live load”). If you plan to host huge bashes or want to add a hot tub or heavy planters, you’ll need to reinforce your deck’s supporting structure for safety’s sake.

Follow the Rules and Regulations

Many aspects of deck design and construction are covered by local codes. Your homeowners association may also have guidelines on aesthetic choices, such as materials, finishes and handrail appearance. Your choices will be visible for all to see, and violations can set your budget back—or worse—if the deck isn’t built correctly.

Finishing Touches

The right details give each deck its own individuality. Let the style of your house and furniture influence the look of fixtures or woodwork you add. Riser lights, post caps and lattice skirts are common final touches you might wish to consider.

Care and Maintenance

The frequency you’ll need to reseal and re-stain your deck depends on its material and finish. Plan to scrub your deck once a year using a power washer, a brush and a compatible cleaner. Getting rid of mildew may require a specialty product. For daily upkeep, sweep away leaves and debris, and mop up spills right away so they don’t leave stains.

The experts from Boilard Lumber will be available to answer all your deck design and construction questions at the 2018 Western Mass Home & Garden Show at the Eastern States Exposition from March 22–25. Our professionals will even be building a deck at one of our show spaces during the Home & Garden Show.

Kick Winter Blahs With a Shot of Color

Posted on by mm@WebDev

We’ve got a whole lot of winter in front of us, but don’t let it get you down. If you’re looking for a quick and inexpensive way to lift your outlook, consider rejuvenating the inside look of your home.

A coat of paint can work wonders, especially if it’s been a while since you last refreshed your walls. Whether you decide to brighten a drab and dingy room with a coat of fresh white, replace that lifeless neutral look with a soothing wash of color, or add a vibrant color splash to bring an accent wall to life, we’re the local leader for quality paints. Look to Benjamin Moore, in both classic and on-trend colors for a renewed appearance and superior wear.

We offer custom color scanning and special orders, too, so if you’d like to match that special color, just let us know. Whether it’s the color of your favorite t-shirt or as seen on piece of artwork, we can replicate it. Our team can provide expert advice on finishes, in case you don’t know your eggshell from your flat, or your satin from your semi-gloss. We’ll even help you select the right tools for the job, from brushes and rollers to paint pans and drop cloths.

When planning a painting project, consider the whole room. A fresh coat of paint on the walls can draw attention to a worn ceiling and trim. In general, it’s best to paint a room from the top down––ceilings, walls, then trim––so decide what needs to be tackled up front for best results.

A new coat of paint can dramatically lift your mood and the mood of a whole room.
A new coat of paint can dramatically lift your mood and the mood of a whole room.

Aiming Higher?

If couple gallons of paint won’t be enough to bring life back to those drab walls, we’ve got you covered with other ideas as well. Adding a crown moulding may lift your eye and your spirit. Perhaps your heart yearns for wainscoting and a chair rail. We have many profile options in stock or available via special order to help add architectural interest to your home and enhance its value.

Talk to us about what you have in mind, and we’ll provide you with the advice, materials and tools to get the job done, from lumber and stains to hammers and hand tools. We also offer comprehensive design and installation services if you need help bringing your vision to life.

Remember, winter can run long in Massachusetts. Contact us today or visit the helpful staff in our store at 476 Oak Street in Indian Orchard, MA to get started on your project and help prevent the winter doldrums from taking root.

Boilard celebrates work and play at 17th Annual Festival of Trees

Posted on by mm@WebDev

Five… gallon… paint bucket… 4 golf-ball sleeves, 3 gear essentials, 2 New England teams and a 6-pack of Mad Elf ale…

 If we were to write our own holiday carol for 2017, it would likely include the lyrics above—representing just a few of the items adorning our contribution to the 17th Annual Festival of Trees! We invite one and all to come see our 7-foot pencil pine, along with more than 130 other creatively decked tannenbaums now on dazzling display at Tower Square in Springfield.

“We couldn’t wait to get started on our tree project,” said our own Mike Boilard, president of Boilard Lumber. “We came up with theme of ‘work, play, celebrate,’ and we wanted to provide a sampling of our quality goods as well as some very nice bonus items. Our employees and vendor friends made this possible with their extremely generous donations. We’re excited and proud to be part of this event once again.”

Boilard Lumber is among dozens of local businesses and community groups who donated a unique, personalized tree to the festive fundraiser, serving to benefit the Springfield Boys & Girls Club. The event culminates in a raffling of all trees on December 10, with proceeds going to support this critical youth agency. Last year was a record breaker for tree sponsorship (134 trees), attendance (more than 15,000 visitors) and revenue ($160,000)—and we hope 2017 tops those numbers all around!

Having a special appreciation for charitable endeavors, yuletide festivities and, well, trees, we at Boilard Lumber put a lotta love into our creation. So, what will the lucky winner merrily receive? How about:

  • Boilard gear: backpack, Sportula grilling spatula, 5-gallon paint bucket, hat, safety vest, reusable bag and Velux water bottle
  • Kreg tools: Kreg Jig K5 & Self-Tapping Pocket-Screw Kit
  • Nike golf balls: Power Distance Soft golf balls (4 sleeves)
  • PATS v. JETS: 4 tickets for Sunday, 12/31/17 (sec 141, row 24, seats 1 – 4)
  • Springfield Thunderbirds: 4 vouchers, game of choice (2017 – 2018 regular season)
  • Craft beer from Tröegs Brewing Company: 6-pack of The Mad Elf Holiday Ale
  • Who wouldn’t want all THAT? OK, maybe not everyone, but it does mean something for everyone on your holiday list; we’re happy to help you play Santa.

17th Annual Festival of Trees | Fri., Nov. 24 – Sun., Dec. 10

Dates:

  • Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission:

  • Adults: $5
  • Seniors: $4
  • Children 12 and under: Free