9 Wildly Fun Things To Do In Silver Spring MD (2022 Update)

9 Wildly Fun Things To Do In Silver Spring MD (2022 Update)

Mars Roofing is a member of the Silver Spring community, and we love a good list of the fun things to do throughout the community.

These are some of the best things to do in Silver Spring MD. Check out our list and let us know if we missed anything. We’d love to add your favorite activities or attractions to the list as well!

9 FUN THINGS TO DO IN SILVER SPRING MD

1. WHEATON REGIONAL PARK

beautiful wheaton regional park during the fall; things to do in silver spring md

There’s just nothing like a good park. Whether you’re looking to unwind on a beautiful summer evening or take a brisk stroll to see the beautiful fall colors, Wheaton Regional Park is a Silver Spring favorite.

Wheaton offers various activities to those who visit, ranging from hiking and ice skating to picnicking and horseback riding. Better yet, there’s a train that travels through the park and allows you to see lots of nature centers, a conservatory, and the Brookside Gardens.

2. SILVER SPRING LIBRARY

While a trip to the library might not be something that seems exciting, it can actually be a great experience, especially when you visit the Silver Spring Library. Of course, there are loads of books and other similar materials that you can rent at the Silver Spring Library. The Library also features a cafe space, office space, emitting rooms, studios for artists, and more!

When visiting the library, you’ll get more than just a good book. You’ll get a great place to enjoy a good book as well.

3. GATEWAY TO NOAA

A unique offering to the Silver Spring area is the Gateway to NOAA or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This organization “takes the pulse of the planet every day and protects and manages ocean and coastal resources.” Here, you’ll view different interesting and informative exhibits on weather and climate based on the different observations made by the NOAA.

4. BALTIMORE & OHIO RAILROAD STATION

baltimore & ohio Rail train in maryland; things to do in silver spring md

Designated as a national historic site, the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Station is worth a stop. The railway station was used regularly from 1945 – 2000. It was a much less popular station than the large Union Station and, because of that, often carried more prominent passengers, including President Truman.

Today the railroad is preserved and operated by the Montgomery Preservation Society and the Silver Spring Historical Society. Seeing a railway from the 20th century is a great way to feel like you’re going back in time.

5. MATTHEW HENSON STATE PARK

A great state park to visit and spend a few hours hiking through is Matthew Henson State Park. The park is named after a Maryland native and arctic explorer. There’s also a trail named after Mathew Henson that stretches through the park. It’s often used by hikers and bikers looking for a great scenic route along Rock Creek.

6. BIG ESCAPE ROOMS

For something a bit more proactive and exciting, you might want to try out an escape room. Escape rooms are great for parties and group team building. We love them for family fun as well. If you haven’t been to an escape room, then you might be wondering what they are. Escape rooms are like large puzzles that you have to work your way out of by finding clues and solving problems.

Big Escape Rooms has tons of great reviews. Try booking an escape room for your next get-together or hangout.

GREAT RESTAURANTS IN SILVER SPRING

burgers on a platter with fries copper canyon grill; things to do in silver spring md

What’s a day on the town without some good food and drinks? Here are some of our downtown Silver Spring favorites.

7. COPPER CANYON GRILL

Located right in downtown Silver Spring, Copper Canyon is a local favorite. Their family-friendly casual American dining experience is known for lots of tasty items but especially their rotisserie chicken.

8. CRISFIELD SEAFOOD

Since 1945 Crisfield Seafood has been serving Silver Spring, Maryland. Some regular menu items and favorites include lobster and crab caught fresh off the east coast. This restaurant is a staple for anyone that’s been to the area.

9. TTT SILVER SPRING

IF you’re looking for fresh Mexican cuisine, TTT is a great spot! Most of their offerings would consider Mexican street food, but that doesn’t change how delicious it looks. Burritos, Bowls, Quesadillas, and more are their menu staples.

CONTACT MARS FOR YOUR FREE ROOFING QUOTE!

No matter the occasion, there’s all sorts of fun to be had in Silver Spring, MD! And, if you’re looking for a roofing contractor in Silver Spring, we’re here to help.

Top 7 Bars In Gaithersburg MD To Grab A Drink With Friends (2022 Update)

Top 7 Bars In Gaithersburg MD To Grab A Drink With Friends (2022 Update)

A great bar offers a lot of benefits to those that patron it. There’s the food, friends and community, overall aesthetic, and of course, the drinks.

Most times, when you’re looking for a new bar, you might settle for one of these items being good. But we’re here to tell you about 7 bars in Gaithersburg, MD that have got it all.

TOP 7 BARS IN GAITHERSBURG MD

Great bar food at maryland bars; bars in gaithersburg md

1. OLD TOWN POUR HOUSE

Address: 212 Ellington Blvd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Phone: (301) 963-6281

If you’re looking for comfort food and craft beers, Old Town Pour House is a great option. This Chicago-based spot serves 90+ craft brews in their large wood and copper-themed space. And better yet, they average 4.1 stars after nearly 1,400 reviews.

2. QUINCY’S BAR & GRILL
burgers and wings at qunicys bar & grill; bars in gaithersburg md

Address: 616 Quince Orchard Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Phone: (301) 869-8200

Beer, chicken, wings, and pan-seared steaks are some of the classics served by Quincy’s. In addition, this casual setting has trivia nights and sports on their TVs. Quincy’s is one of the locals’ favorite spots for catching big games.

3. YARD HOUSE

 

Address: 211 Rio Blvd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Phone: (240) 683-8790

Yard House isn’t a local spot but a high-end sports bar chain that offers both a vast menu of American eats and an extensive list of draft beers. This place is perfect for large groups, and they’re open late. The only complaint the Yard house commonly has is that it’s more of a restaurant than a bar.

4. DOGFISH HEAD ALEHOUSE

drinks at the dogfish ale house; bars in gaithersburg md

Address: 800 W Diamond Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Phone: (301) 963-4847

4.5 stars after 2,600 reviews, Dogfish Head, is doing something right. This brewpub-style Alehouse offers excellent service and a wide variety of house-made beers. While Dogfish Head is known for their beers, they do make some great food as well. Local patrons rave about the burgers, soft pretzels, and crab cakes.

5. THE BENCH

Address: 9751 Washingtonian Blvd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Phone: (301) 590-0044

If you’re looking for lake views on a patio or a more intimate and lade-back cocktail experience, The Bench is a great place to get it. This causal sleek, and modern eatery is located inside the Marriott hotel but is always open to those not staying at the hotel. Over the years, the restaurant and bar has seen several good reviews and garnished a stand-up reputation.

6. PALADAR LATIN KITCHEN & RUM BAR

Address: 203 Crown Park Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Phone: (301) 330-4400

If you haven’t been to a Latin kitchen or rum bar, then you’re missing out. Paladar is a pan-Latin eatery with a full-service kids menu and gluten-free options, making it an excellent stop for the whole family. Cocktails and fine rums are two of their big draws, but the food rarely disappoints. This restaurant has garnished a whopping 1,275 reviews with an average rating of 4.2 stars.

7. BAR AZUL SPORTS BAR AND BILLIARDS

Address: 18749 N Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20879

Phone: (240) 912-4401

Sometimes you might be looking for more of a hangout spot or a place where you can enjoy some time with friends. Bar Azul is just that place. With pool tables, beers, cocktails, and sports on the TVs, what else could you ask for? They even serve the classics like wings and tacos. It’s a great stop all around.

CALL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE INSPECTION!

The next time you need roofing or exterior services, consider MARS Roofing as one of Gaithersburg, Maryland’s premier local roofing companies. We offer a free inspection, are certified and well equipped to handle insurance claims, and can get you through a construction project in typically one day.

Get your roof done the right way with MARS Roofing! Contact us today for a FREE inspection of your roof in the next 24 hours!

Should I Repair Or Replace My Roof In 2022? (Pros Vs Cons)

Should I Repair Or Replace My Roof In 2022? (Pros Vs Cons)

A popular question among homeowners is “should I repair or replace my roof?”

It’s the day after a big storm, and you wake up to find shingles strewn about in your lawn. You can see where they blew off your roof. It’s not a pretty sight. But, what you do next will change the way the rest of your day goes.

aerial view of roof with missing shingles; should I repair or replace my roof

SHOULD I REPAIR OR REPLACE MY ROOF?

Depending primarily on the age of your roof and the materials that were used, you may have the option to choose between repairing or replacing your roof.

Roof repair – If the damage is minor and your shingles are still in good shape, there may be nothing wrong with just repairing them. Roof repairs are also more affordable than an entire roof replacement. One thing to keep in mind is that you’ll have to find matching shingles so that your roof doesn’t look mismatched after you have your roof repaired.

Roof replacement – If your shingles are severely damaged, few in number, or you have a leak, it’s time to get a complete roof replacement. Keep in mind, the age of your roof and the amount of time it has left in its expected life is another factor that can determine replacement. While this might sound like a big undertaking, it’s not as bad as dealing with the long-term damages of a leaky roof.

“Should I repair or replace my roof?” is a big question. We recommend that you bring in an expert to give you their opinion and best advice. MARS Roofing is a great option if you’re looking for a roofer in the greater Maryland area, give us a call!

HOW TO MAKE A ROOF INSURANCE CLAIM

Roof damage is common, and your homeowner’s insurance will cover at least some of the costs (sometimes all of them). There are two ways to file a roof insurance claim, either way, you choose; we encourage you to take some pictures of the damage right away.

The first way to make a claim is to assess the damage and get a quote for the repairs. You’ll then need to submit all relevant information to the insurance company. Unfortunately, when you make a claim this way, you’re at the mercy of both the contractor giving you the quote and the insurance company.

The second way that you can make an insurance claim right away is to call a professional roofing contractor like MARS Roofing. MARS can help handle the entire insurance claim from start to finish. We’ll be out to offer a free inspection within 24 hours, and we carry the same certification as professional insurance adjusters. From inspection to construction, we’ll be able to work with your insurance company and provide stress-free service for you.

View of a Young woman and architect discussing roofing plan; should I repair or replace my roof

ROOF REPLACEMENT: PROS & CONS

There are advantages and disadvantages to both replacement and repair. Keep in mind, some of these factors can vary greatly depending on the roofing company you decide to go with. Here are a few of the big ones to know.

PROS OF ROOF REPLACEMENT

  • You get a new roof that’s going to protect your home for many years.
  • Fixing additional problems and roof leaks.

CONS OF ROOF REPLACEMENT

  • Can be very expensive.
  • Can take 1-3 days depending on the size of your roof.
  • Could make a pretty big mess.

Qualified workman in uniform work wear using air or pneumatic nail gun and installing asphalt or bitumen shingle on top of the new roof under construction residential building; should I repair or replace my roof

ROOF REPAIR: PROS & CONS

Roof repair isn’t always an option, but when it is, most homeowners will choose to repair their roof because it’s much cheaper and often times easier than getting a full roof replacement.

PROS OF ROOF REPAIR

  • Can sometimes be a DIY project. (we don’t recommend this)
  • Significantly cheaper than a full replacement.
  • Can be done in just a few hours.
  • Insurance companies will often cover the cost.

CONS OF ROOF REPAIR

  • Might miss fixing significant damage that you can’t see.
  • Could cost you more if you miss a roof leak or signs of rot.
  • Might not be able to match the shingles that are on your roof.

REPAIR VS. REPLACEMENT FLOW CHART

To help make the decision between roof repairs or full roof replacements, we put together a clear flow chart. If you are having trouble deciding this for yourself, we would recommend having a roofing contractor come for a roof inspection. Depending on the roofing company you go with, your roof inspection could be free and will help identify any serious problems which will point you in the right direction.

replace vs. repair my roof flowchart; should I repair or replace my roof

CONTACT MARS RESTORATIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL HELP!

If you decide you need either repairs or a complete roof replacement, make sure to keep us in mind! MARS Roofing is a full-service roofing and restoration company that offers several services. But, roofing is at our core, and it’s a service that we’re proud to offer at the highest caliber. You can learn more about our roofing services here.

Roof Inspections: Everything A Homeowner Should Know (2022 Guide)

Roof Inspections: Everything A Homeowner Should Know (2022 Guide)

Roof Inspections are an important part of being a homeowner.

Getting a roof inspection on your home can make a substantial difference. Maybe you’ve been lying in bed, unable to sleep because you’re unsure if your roof is leaking in the rain. Maybe you are concerned about your DIY repair job that didn’t exactly go as planned.

Either way, a roof inspection is more than just knowing whether or not your roof is in good condition. It’s peace of mind knowing your home’s roof is doing its job and won’t come back to haunt you.

aerial view of asphalt shingle roof with missing shingles

ROOF INSPECTIONS: WHEN TO GET ONE

Knowing when to schedule a roof inspection is important. If you were only to get an inspection when you already have a leak or other problem with your roof, then you’ll be too late. Roof inspections will help to ensure that your home is protected from the start of damage and no later than that.

We recommend that homeowners get their roofs inspected after any severe storms pass through their neighborhoods. Whether or not you can see signs that your roof is already damaged, getting an inspection can reveal problems with your roof that you wouldn’t otherwise find.

DOING IT YOURSELF VS. PROFESSIONAL INSPECTION

A lot of homeowners feel comfortable getting up on their roof and inspecting it themselves. While it’s an empowering feeling doing it yourself, there can be some downsides to this.

A man in a hard hat, holding a clipboard, standing on the steps of an old rundown house; roof inspections

PROS AND CONS OF DOING IT YOURSELF

First off, you’ll save yourself the time it takes to schedule an appointment. You’ll also save yourself a little money if there isn’t a roofing company in your area that offers free inspections. The downside to all this is that you might miss some key problems with your roof and overlook the damage that is difficult to detect. Sure you’ll be able to identify obvious roof penetrations, damaged or missing shingles, and other semi-obvious ailments. But you might have a difficult time identifying issues in the roof valleys, attic vents, or roof overhangs. The unfortunate truth is, the costly repairs are the small leaks that go unidentified and cause mold, rot, and other expensive damages.

PROS AND CONS OF PROFESSIONAL INSPECTION

Paying for peace of mind shouldn’t be seen as a bad thing, but it’s the only “negative” aspect of getting a roof inspection from a professional company. You will, however, receive the advantage of knowing precisely whether or not your roof is ready to be repaired or replaced by a professional.

At the end of the day, a professional inspection will be much more thorough and be able to identify risk areas and other signs that could lead to problems down the road. This way, you’ll have everything you need to know to make an informed decision as to whether or not you need a new roof.

Man inspecting and cleaning dirty moss-covered roof; roof inspections

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A PROFESSIONAL

When hiring or getting a free inspection from a professional roof inspector or roofing company, there are a few different things that you should expect. First off, the roof inspector should have a ladder and climb it to visually inspect your roof from up close or get up on your roof to inspect it.

Inspectors should offer a detailed report that tells you the overall health of your roof and all of the components that make up your roof, including vents, gutter systems, and even chimney caps. All of these different materials can be damaged during severe weather.

Lastly, a roofing professional should offer a game plan or scope of how much the repairs to the roof would cost and whether or not it can be submitted to insurance. Submitting a roofing claim to your insurance company isn’t difficult, but you will need a thorough report from your inspector, including photographic evidence of the damage.

ROOFING ANALYSIS AND A GAME PLAN

After you have a thorough inspection and you’ve seen the analysis on your roof, you’ll be able to either sleep well at night knowing your roof is in good shape or get the proper roof repair needed so you can sleep well. When you partner with a roofing company such as Mars Roofing for your roof inspection, you’ll get not only a comprehensive roof inspection but also a game plan for how to fix the damage.

CONTACT MARS RESTORATION FOR PROFESSIONAL HELP!

Depending on how bad your roof is damaged and the extent of repairs, the cost to repair can range drastically. At Mars, our goal is always to ensure that you get the best possible service without having to pay a premium. If we’re able to repair your roof instead of replacing it, we’ll gladly do just that!

In need of an inspection? Reach out to us today; we’ll come out to do your inspection within 24 hours.

A Brief And Colorful History Of Columbia, MD (Timeline)

A Brief And Colorful History Of Columbia, MD (Timeline)

Are you interested in the history of Columbia, MD?

Located in Howard County, Maryland, Columbia is a planned community or census-designated place. This simply means that a few different boards and groups came together to discuss and “create” a community that exists as a metropolitan community in Maryland.

Evening reflections at Wilde Lake in Columbia, Maryland; history of Columbia MD

HISTORY OF COLUMBIA MD

Unlike the way most other cities are formed, planned communities can pre-plan enough to know and understand where they want different residential and business areas. Because this is all done in advance, there are fewer variables than those that might come with the way a traditional city organically develops.

HOW IT STARTED

While this city may have been “manufactured” by a commission set up by the State of Maryland, it is now considered one of Maryland’s best places to live and work. In 1967 after much planning and work, the city was opened.

Creator and Visionary James W. Rouse sought for the community to be a place where segregation and subdivisions wouldn’t take place or be a hindrance to residents. His hope was that racial, religious, and class segregation would be eliminated in this community.

Aerial view of Columbia, Maryland; history of Columbia MD

DEVELOPMENT

Rouse hoped to encourage homeownership and develop a community that would benefit its residents and improves their quality of life. As it was developed, land could be purchased by homeowners, and properties could be built with a loan funded by local organizations.

Other operations included open classroom schools, interfaith centers, and a health maintenance organization were all part of the development and planning behind Columbia. Each of these ideas came from a series of meetings in 1963 that occurred for two days, twice a month, for six months. All of these meetings laid the groundwork for what became Columbia.

VILLAGES AND NEIGHBORHOODS

The villages and neighborhoods that make up Columbia, Maryland, have given it a small-town feel despite Columbia having more than 100,000 residents throughout. One village in Columbia consists of several neighborhoods and often contains its own middle and high school, shopping center, recreational facilities, community center, and biking or walking paths. Four of these villages also have interfaith centers where multiple congregations work and meet in the same building.

These are the villages in the order they were opened to established:

  • Wilde Lake – (Est. 1967)
  • Harper’s Choice – (Est. 1968)
  • Oakland Mills – (Est. 1969)
  • Long Beach – (Est. 1971)
  • Owen Brown – (Est. 1972)
  • Town Center – (Est. 1974)
  • Hickory Ridge – (Est. 1974)
  • Kings Contrivance – (Est. 1977)
  • Dorsey’s Search – (Est. 1980)
  • River Hill – (Est. 1990)

Each of these villages has neighborhoods within them, and they’ve all had plans in place that require them to meet a certain diversity rating. This has helped the communities develop in a diverse way that supports the lives and habits of everyone’s history. Additionally, it’s thought that this is one of the reasons Columbia has been ranked the safest place to live in the United States for three consecutive years.

upper middle class american neighborhood with curving street in the east coast; history of columbia md

FUTURE GROWTH

Columbia isn’t done developing and growing yet. The city’s planning stepped into a new phase in 2010, “The Downtown Columbia Plan.” A project that encompasses redesigning and adding to the layout of downtown will be completed in three phases. The 90 million dollar plan aims to add 4.3 million square feet of commercial office space, 1.25 million square feet of retail space,640 hotel rooms, 5,500 low-income housing units, and a Merriweather Post Pavilion redevelopment multi-modal transportation system for the residents.

The new downtown area in Columbia is set to act as a center for all of the villages located around it. If you’re interested in living and working in Columbia, Maryland, there are many places you can look at homes or apartments in the area. Realtor.com has several great properties listed on its website. Do note that around 60% of Columbia own their residence in contrast to 40% that rent, making this area a great place to buy a home.

CONTACT MARS ROOFING & RESTORATION TODAY!

If you’re already living in Columbia and you’re in need of roofing services, contact us. Mars Roofing is a premiere Columbia roofing company that can get the job done right!