Top 5 Exterior Upgrades to Boost Home Value This Summer

July 2, 2025

Best Exterior Enhancements for Curb Appeal & Comfort

When summer arrives in the Midwest, homeowners in Wisconsin and Illinois begin thinking about curb appeal, comfort, and energy efficiency. It is also peak season for real estate listings, making it the perfect time to invest in upgrades that enhance both the appearance and the long-term value of your home.


At Advocate Contracting & Restoration Services, Inc., we specialize in full exterior systems—solutions that not only protect your home from the elements but also deliver real return on investment. Whether you’re planning to sell or simply want to elevate your home’s performance and aesthetics, here are five of the most impactful exterior improvements to consider this summer.

1. Roof Replacement

Your roof is the most critical line of defense against weather damage—and one of the most visible features of your home. A new, professionally installed roofing system signals to potential buyers and appraisers that the home has been well-maintained and is ready for the long haul.


Modern roofing materials from top manufacturers like GAF and Owens Corning offer durability, weather resistance, and energy-efficient options. In many cases, a full roof replacement can increase a home’s value and reduce future maintenance concerns, making it a sound investment.


At Advocate, we focus on full-system roof replacements—not patch jobs—so every layer, from underlayment to shingles, functions as it should.

2. Energy-Efficient Windows

Windows do far more than let in light. They play a critical role in regulating indoor temperatures, preventing energy loss, and protecting interior furnishings from UV damage. Old or poorly sealed windows can cause noticeable spikes in your energy bills—especially during hot Midwest summers.


Replacing your windows with modern, energy-efficient models enhances comfort and immediately improves a home’s thermal performance. Many buyers today actively seek homes with upgraded windows for both financial and environmental reasons.


In addition, new windows enhance curb appeal with cleaner lines, better fit, and updated aesthetics.

3. Siding Replacement

Worn, faded, or damaged siding not only makes a home look dated—it can also lead to moisture problems and structural issues if left unchecked. Siding serves as a protective skin for your home and greatly influences its visual identity.


Replacing siding with modern materials such as fiber cement or insulated vinyl offers a fresh, clean look and can dramatically increase perceived value. CertainTeed and James Hardie products, which we regularly install, are engineered to withstand the Midwest’s seasonal extremes while retaining their color and form.


New siding also gives you an opportunity to update your home’s style without the cost of a full remodel.

4. Soffit and Fascia Upgrades

These subtle architectural components play a vital role in your home’s ventilation and protection. Soffit allows air to circulate through the attic, helping to prevent mold and moisture buildup. Fascia supports your gutters and gives the roofline a finished appearance.


If these elements are sagging, rotting, or improperly ventilated, they can lead to more extensive damage. Upgrading soffit and fascia during summer helps keep your attic cool and your roofing system healthy.


Buyers may not notice soffit and fascia immediately, but inspectors do. Well-maintained rooflines show that the home has been cared for with attention to detail.

5. Gutter and Gutter Guard Replacement

Gutters direct water away from your foundation, siding, and landscaping. When they are clogged or poorly installed, water can back up and cause serious damage over time.


Replacing your gutters—or adding durable gutter guards—prevents clogs and reduces the need for seasonal maintenance. Clean, high-functioning gutters also contribute to a polished exterior appearance.


For many homeowners, upgrading to a seamless gutter system with guards installed is a small investment that delivers major value in both performance and peace of mind.

Invest Where It Matters

Summer is the ideal time to take a close look at your home’s exterior. These upgrades not only protect your property but also increase its resale value, energy efficiency, and curb appeal. At Advocate Contracting, we believe in doing the job right the first time—using quality materials and experienced crews to deliver lasting results.


If you’re considering a major upgrade or unsure where to start, schedule a free inspection with our team. We’ll walk you through your options and help prioritize the improvements that will bring the most value to your home this summer and beyond

Premium Roofing Materials That Stand the Test of Time

September 2, 2025
A roof is one of the most significant investments you will make in your home. It protects your family, preserves your property, and contributes to overall curb appeal. When the time comes for a replacement, the materials you choose will determine not only how your roof looks, but also how well it performs in the decades to come. At Advocate Contracting, we focus exclusively on replacements and specialize in premium roofing materials that provide both long-term durability and timeless style.

What to Expect During a Roof, Siding, or Window Replacement Project

August 27, 2025
Boost Curb Appeal & Comfort Replacing your home’s exterior is a major investment, but it is also one of the most rewarding improvements you can make. A new roof, siding, or set of energy-efficient windows not only enhances your property’s appearance but also increases comfort, safety, and value. At Advocate Contracting, we focus exclusively on replacements, which means we have the experience and processes to ensure that every project is completed smoothly and efficiently. If you are preparing for an exterior replacement, here is what you can expect from start to finish.

How Energy-Efficient Windows Installed This Fall Can Lower Heating Bills

August 20, 2025
As the cooler months arrive, homeowners begin to notice drafts, rising heating costs, and the strain of outdated windows. Replacing old windows with modern, energy-efficient models in the fall is one of the best investments you can make in your home. At Advocate Contracting, we specialize in window replacements that not only enhance comfort but also protect your budget throughout the cold season.

The Long-Term Value of Coordinating Roof, Siding, and Window Replacements

August 12, 2025
How Coordinated Exterior Projects Save You Time and Money Exterior home improvements are significant investments, and the timing of each project can have a direct impact on both cost and performance. While many homeowners choose to replace a roof, siding, or windows separately, coordinating these upgrades into one comprehensive project offers substantial long-term benefits. Advocate Contracting & Restoration Services, with nearly five decades of experience in complete exterior replacements, has seen firsthand how combining these services leads to stronger results, improved efficiency, and enhanced property value.

Is Your Home Ready for a Midwest Winter? Why Now Is the Time for Exterior Replacement

August 5, 2025
Why Fall is the Best Time for Exterior Upgrades In the Midwest, summer doesn’t last forever. As the days get shorter and the air cools, it is the perfect time to start thinking about how well your home’s exterior will hold up through the months ahead. Winter brings freezing temperatures , snow, ice, and strong winds, all of which can expose weak points in your home’s protective shell. If your roof, siding, windows, soffit, fascia, or gutters are aging or showing signs of wear, now is the right time to plan a full replacement. Waiting until winter hits is often too late. That’s why homeowners who act early not only protect their homes but also avoid the stress, expense, and discomfort of mid-winter damage. Here’s why fall is the ideal season to move forward with replacement work and why high-quality materials and expert installation make all the difference.

Why Cheap Roofing Quotes Can Cost You More in the End

July 30, 2025
The Hidden Cost of Cheap Roof Bids When it comes to major home improvements like roof replacement, most homeowners face a familiar dilemma: how to balance quality with affordability. While it’s tempting to go with the lowest quote, especially on a project as expensive as a new roof, the reality is that the cheapest option is rarely the best one and, in many cases, it ends up being the most expensive in the long run. At Advocate Contracting, we focus exclusively on replacement, not patchwork or quick fixes. We work with homeowners across the Midwest who expect long-term performance, not short-term savings. Here’s why you should think twice before choosing the lowest roofing bid.

Protect Your Soffits and Fascia Before Winter Hits

July 23, 2025
Key to a Strong Roof and Home Protection When homeowners think about exterior maintenance, they often focus on the big-ticket items: roofing, siding, windows. But soffits and fascia, though less talked about, play a crucial role in the health and longevity of your home. If these components are damaged or deteriorating, they can compromise the integrity of your roofing system and leave your home vulnerable to moisture, pests, and rot. At Advocate Contracting, we specialize in full exterior replacement services, including soffits and fascia. As the Midwest heads toward cooler weather, now is the time to assess their condition and take action before winter brings snow, ice, and freezing temperatures.

The Truth About Gutter Guards: Do They Really Work?

July 15, 2025
Gutter Ma  intenance Made Easy with the Right Guards Gutters serve a vital role in protecting your home from water damage, but keeping them clear is a recurring (and often dangerous) chore. Homeowners in the Midwest know the drill: leaves, pine needles, seed pods, and other debris can quickly clog gutters, leading to overflow, rot, mold, and foundation problems. Gutter guards are marketed as a solution, but many homeowners still wonder: do they actually work? The short answer is yes . When professionally installed and properly matched to your home, gutter guards are one of the most effective ways to reduce maintenance and protect your home’s structural integrity.

What’s Hiding Behind Your Old Siding? Signs of Hidden Moisture Damage

July 10, 2025
The Hidden Costs of Failing Siding When most homeowners think about siding, they think about appearances — color, texture, curb appeal . But siding has a far more important role than aesthetics. It’s your home’s first line of defense against wind, rain, snow, and temperature extremes. When siding begins to fail, it can allow moisture to penetrate the exterior shell of your house, leading to hidden and expensive damage behind the surface.  At Advocate Contracting & Restoration Services, we replace aging siding systems throughout Wisconsin and Illinois. We have seen firsthand how undetected water infiltration can compromise a home’s structural integrity — and how addressing it early can prevent thousands in future repairs. Here’s what you need to know.

Is Your Home Ready for Heavy Rain? Gutter and Fascia Tips for Wisconsin Summers

June 25, 2025
Protect Your Home This Summer Summer in Wisconsin brings more than sunshine and lake days—it also brings unpredictable storms, heavy rain, and fast-moving weather systems that can overwhelm a home’s exterior if it’s not properly maintained. Gutters, fascia, and related water-management components are often overlooked, but they are critical in keeping your home protected during the wettest months of the year. At Advocate Contracting & Restoration Services Inc., we specialize in full exterior solutions, including gutter systems, fascia replacement, and upgrades like gutter guards. Here is what every Wisconsin homeowner should know before the next downpour.