When it’s time to consider window replacement, it can seem like an overwhelming task. Often, the hardest part isn’t choosing a window but picking the right contractor to complete the work. Below are four tips to help you find the right fit.

Do the Research

Take the time to find the right contractor for the job. Asking trusted friends for recommendations is a good place to start but not the ending point. While the company might have worked well for them, a lot can change between projects. You can also get recommendations from local consumer protection agencies or other homeowner organizations that can provide names of reputable companies in your area. Once you get a recommendation, don’t stop there. It is recommended to research a minimum of three options.

Meet in Person

Once you have compiled a list of contractors, it’s important to call each contractor to ask questions. Considering the impact window replacement will have on your home and life, a smooth talker needs to back up their words. Any uncertainty on the contractor’s part should be met with hesitation. Once a few contractors have satisfactorily answered your questions, set up a time to meet them. Meeting face to face provides a better idea of who you will be working with and the type of communication you can expect from them.

Consider the Costs

While most people love to save money, an exceptionally low price may mean exceptionally low service. Contacting several contractors provides the added benefit of securing a ballpark idea of how much your project will cost. Any contractor that is significantly lower or higher may not be worth the time.

Get It in Writing

After choosing a contractor, get it in writing. Your window replacement contract should have every small detail of the project including payment schedule, liability, materials to be used, project start and end date, just to name a few. A contractor willing to sign a clear contract means they understand how important your renovation is.

For homeowners, an energy-efficient home has become a top priority. The rising costs of energy make it important to have a home that helps reduce those costly monthly bills. Insulated vinyl siding is one way to keep a home running efficiently.

Insulation for All Seasons

Whether living in a region that experiences all seasons or in an area prone to extreme heat, keeping a balanced temperature can be difficult. Extreme cold and heat can overwork furnaces and air conditioners, which can reduce their lifespan and waste energy. While standard home insulation makes a major impact, having an additional layer can ease the strain.

Instead of being hollow, insulated vinyl siding is more solid and features an added layer of foam. This keeps it from bending or rattling like standard siding. The additional material acts as a bridge that contours gaps, which strengthens trim and other edging materials. It not only works to help a home retain heat or cold, it also has the added benefit of providing a barrier for outside sounds.

No Gaps Means Less Hassle

Thermal resistant is a key element of insulated vinyl siding. It helps reduce heat flow in walls and increases drying capacity. This means that it will not absorb or hold moisture, main factors in the growth of mold and mildew. Besides keeping moisture from settling in a home, its material does not attract insects or other creatures. Since the foam fills gaps in the walls, it eliminates potential nesting areas.

Durability

Any type of added protection costs money, so it’s important to consider the longevity of an investment. This type of siding is constructed to be durable and absorb shock and impact from inclement weather such as hail and ice. Unlike wood, it is designed to resist cracking, splitting and warping. It is also able to withstand extreme temperatures while maintaining its aesthetic appeal.

Whether building or renovating, choosing the right vinyl siding is a big decision. Count on the experts to help you maximize your home’s energy potential.

Even if you take the time to clean and maintain your gutters, the sad truth is they’re not going to last forever. Eventually, you’ll have to pay for gutter replacement. But how do you know when it’s time?

1. Seam Separation

Seams are where two sections of gutter meet and are generally sealed with a caulking or silicone compound. Over time, these materials can degrade due to moisture and extreme temperatures, resulting in separation. If you notice your gutters coming apart, it’s probably time to replace – maybe with the seamless type this time around.

2. Rust Spots

If you have metal gutters, water can undermine their structural integrity. Scratches in paint from wind or other weather makes the underlying metal vulnerable to rust. Over time, these spots can become holes, leading to compromised sections or outright leaks.

3. Leaks

If you see water pouring out of a hole in your gutters, it’s definitely time for a replacement. Less-obvious signs of a leak include puddles in your yard or a flooded basement.

4. Peeling

Water can damage your house’s paint job, leading to bubbling or peeling. If you’re seeing multiple places on your home’s exterior that have compromised paint, you likely have several leaks and need a full gutter replacement.

5. Space Between Gutters and the Roofline

Over time, the fasteners holding gutters to the roof can become loose or damaged, which may result in gutters pulling away from your house. Water may then leak through the gap, flooding your yard or damaging your foundation. If you’ve had to fix this issue several times, you should start shopping around for replacements.

Effectively directing rainwater is essential to the health of your home. If it’s time for a gutter replacement, an industry professional can inform you on the many options available and ensure everything is installed properly. With regular maintence, your new gutters can last a good 20 years.

Failure to spot the signs of a deteriorating roof can result in extra work and extra costs and even an earlier than necessary new roof installation. A frequent check of the condition of a roof is a great idea. An even better idea is to have a qualified contractor come out annually to inspect the roof for the most common home roofing problems.

 

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You’ve done your homework and hired a reliable, licensed, and insured roofing contractor. You’ve agreed on an estimate and secured a permit. Here’s what to expect once workers are on top of your roof replacement project. Literally.

 

First, you don’t have to move the family to a hotel—unless you want to. If you do decide to make replacing your roof the reason for a staycation, make sure someone is readily available by phone, just in case the roofing company has questions or concerns once work begins.

 

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The windows of your home allow you to see what is going on around you, but they can also make your heating and cooling system work harder. A contractor who specializes in window replacement can replace your single-paned windows with double glazed windows to combat this problem.

 

Double glazed windows have two panes of glass that are separated by a pocket of air or gas. The whole apparatus is then sealed to prevent condensation between the panes. The glass is also coated with a special glaze that repels hot air and warms cold air. The gas between the panes is often an inert gas such as argon that, because of its higher density, provides better insulation than regular air.

 

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In today’s DIY culture, it’s not unusual for a homeowner to take on a project like windows and door replacement. And while replacing windows and doors throughout a house is a job best left to professionals, a homeowner can certainly handle a window here or there if they have the right knowledge. Here are a few tips when getting ready for DIY window and door replacement.

 

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Windows and doors can become damaged and worn down over time. However, knowing how to find the right windows and door replacement can be tricky. Consider various factors as you decide what windows and doors to replace and add to your home.

 

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Skylights are beautiful additions to a home, allowing natural light to brighten your day. However, a leak can be a disaster for your home and skylight replacement needs done soon. Several considerations should be made when replacing skylights in your roof.

 

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If you know it’s about time to replace your roof, there are many factors you will need to consider. One thing to think about is the timing of the project. As with many consumer products, there is a busy season and a slow season for roofing companies. What are the benefits of having a roof replacement done during a slow versus busy season?

 

Lower Labor Costs

Before you begin any cost analysis, you will first have to find a roofing company. Do your homework and be wary of promises that seem way too good to be true: they usually are. Once you find a good, quality roofer, you want to try and schedule your installation during the offseason. The offseason is determined by a few factors, first of which is the area you live in. If you live in Florida, the offseason will typically be the winter months when rainfall is minimum; however, the weather is still unpredictable. Most roofing companies want you to get your roof replaced in the fall when the weather is at its best. It is usually the driest and coolest time for outdoor projects. Labor is cheaper in the offseason. Roofers will typically negotiate more during this time as well.

 

The Need

The reality is if you are in need of a roof replacement, you need to get it done as soon as possible. The longer you let a degraded roof go, the more likely you will find more significant problems down the road. Water seeping in will grow mold in your attic and can cause boards to rot. This can eventually lead to respiratory issues for you and your family. Hopefully, your need happens during a slower season.

 

If you are in need of a roof replacement, your best chance at saving some money will be getting it installed in the offseason. When that is depends on the area of the country you live in. Do some research and make sure you stick with a reputable roofing company from the get-go.