Tag: siding

Factors to Consider When Choosing Window Replacement

Gracie Ward Home Improvement , , , , , ,

Maryland Window Replacement can boost home value, reduce energy costs, and add comfort. But it’s important to consider the upfront cost and choose a reputable installation company.

Window Replacement

If your windows are drafty, have condensation between the panes, or show signs of rot, it’s time to replace them. A quality installation will ensure accurate measurements and tight seals, minimizing future repairs and damage.

Energy efficiency plays a major role in the lifespan and payback of replacement windows. The frame material and type of glass significantly impact energy efficiency, with vinyl frames and fiberglass delivering better insulation than wood-framed models. Multi-pane windows and insulated argon gasses are also essential features to consider when selecting the right replacement window.

The insulating properties of new windows are enhanced by airtight designs that reduce heat transfer and air leakage. Fusion-welded frames and wet glazed sashes, along with warm-edge spacer bars, help reduce the number of holes where outdoor air can seep into your home.

In addition, new replacement windows can help homeowners save money on their energy bills. ENERGY STAR estimates that homes with new ENERGY STAR windows reduce their household energy consumption by up to 11%, saving them $100-$500 on their utility bills each year.

There are several factors that impact the energy-efficiency of new windows, including:

The U-factor displays how well a window blocks heat from the sun. A lower U-factor means that your replacement windows are more efficient, allowing you to use less energy to heat and cool your home.

Other factors that influence the energy-efficiency of replacement windows include:

Style

Choosing the right windows plays a significant role in your home’s aesthetic, ventilation requirements, and overall functionality. That’s why it’s important to partner with a local window company that understands your climate and building codes and can recommend the best options for your unique needs.

Reece is committed to providing homeowners with windows that fit the style and design of their home, while also delivering superior energy efficiency. Whether you want to upgrade your curb appeal, reduce noise pollution, or increase ventilation, our experts can help find the perfect solution for your needs and budget.

Window styles vary from double hung windows, which feature two operable sashes that open vertically, to sliding windows, which are ideal for spaces where swinging-out windows would interfere with traffic patterns or landscaping. Then there are casement windows, which are known for their durability and versatility, and awning windows, which can be used in tight spaces where swinging out isn’t an option.

There are also many different frame materials available, each with a unique set of benefits and drawbacks. For example, vinyl replacement windows are an affordable and durable option, while wood-framed windows provide a high level of craftsmanship. And if you’re looking for the best of both worlds, consider hybrid windows, which combine the advantages of both vinyl and wood to deliver the most comprehensive performance.

In addition to a variety of styles and features, Reece also offers window replacement options that allow you to preserve the existing frames, trim, or siding on your home. This method, called pocket replacement, is a cost-effective alternative to full-frame replacement and can result in a faster installation process. However, the success of this method depends on the condition of the existing frame and may result in a smaller glass area and less customization.

Comfort

Your home’s windows play a vital role in regulating indoor temperature, managing natural light, and providing sound insulation. Over time, they can deteriorate due to age and use, causing drafts, higher energy bills, and poor home comfort. Window replacement is an effective way to improve your home’s efficiency, curb appeal, and safety, while increasing its value.

High-performance replacement windows are designed to actively reduce your home’s energy costs, while improving indoor comfort and enhancing the beauty of your house. Advanced features such as Low-E glass coatings, insulated frames, and argon or krypton gas fills help regulate indoor temperatures by reducing heat transfer. This minimizes the workload on your heating and cooling system, resulting in lower energy bills throughout the year.

Energy-efficient windows also enhance the air quality of your living space by preventing moisture and harmful outdoor pollutants from entering your home. This creates a healthier, safer, and more stable environment for your family.

Difficulty opening, closing, or locking your current windows may be a sign that they are in need of replacement. Cracked or chipped glass, condensation between the panes, or rotting wood can also indicate that they are in need of an upgrade.

If your windows are letting in too much external noise, you should consider upgrading them with modern double- or triple-pane windows with insulated casings. These windows reduce sound transmission and create a more peaceful, tranquil living space for relaxing and working. Today’s windows are also designed with security in mind, featuring stronger frames and advanced locking mechanisms that make break-ins more difficult. They are an investment that will provide you with years of energy savings, increased comfort, and added safety.

Maintenance

When it comes to your home, windows play a huge role in curb appeal and resale value. Choosing replacement windows can add energy efficiency, comfort and durability, while also giving your house a fresh new look. But when it’s time for replacement, how do you know what type of window will best suit your home? Here are some factors to consider:

While it’s true that no window will last forever, the lifespan of your windows is impacted by their quality, installation and maintenance. Typically, a free-standing window will have an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years. If you notice that your windows are leaking, are becoming increasingly difficult to open or close, have cracked glass or have rotting frames and sills, it may be time for replacement.

The cost of replacing your windows will vary based on the size, style and material you choose. Window replacement is an expensive project, so it’s important to find a contractor that can provide you with the most competitive price and quality window.

Alternatively, you can opt for a retrofit installation where the window unit is installed into an existing frame (this method also known as “pocket” or “insert” installation). In this case, the original window trim and casing is preserved, while the old window sash is removed to allow for the installation of a new replacement.

The main benefit of a retrofit is that it minimizes the impact on the exterior of your home, and also allows for the upgrade to more energy-efficient windows without extensive structural modifications. However, this process can be more labor-intensive and costly for the contractor as they must carefully remove and replace the existing interior trim, and measure the rough opening to ensure that the new replacement will fit.

Roofing Materials and Techniques

Tiffany Murray Home Improvement , , , , , ,

Roofing is an integral part of building construction that protects structures from rain, snow, sunlight and extremes of temperature. Roofing materials and techniques have evolved over the centuries based on available resources and human ingenuity.

Roofing requires regular maintenance to avoid rotting and insect damage. Selecting a contractor with experience and certifications is important to ensure quality work and safety. Contact Arthur’s Roofing now!

Plywood is one of the most important building materials used in roofing. It acts as the base that supports the weight of shingles, tiles and other roof finish materials and also protects against weather elements like sun, wind, rain, snow and hail. There are a number of different types of plywood, each with their own advantages and uses.

The process of making plywood involves gluing together thin sheets of wood veneers at perpendicular angles to each other. This creates a much stronger material than solid wood and allows it to withstand a significant amount of stress. Additionally, plywood is resistant to warping and shrinking as a result of its cross-grain construction. This makes it a great choice for sheathing or roof decking and can often be used in place of concrete or masonry for structural applications.

It’s worth noting that not all plywood is created equal – when choosing the right product for your roof sheathing, always opt for the highest quality grade available. This will be indicated by a grade of A, B, C or D on the face of the sheet. A-grade plywood is completely devoid of knots and defects, perfect for interior work and appearance-oriented projects; while D-grade plywood has a lot of blemishes and cracks and should only be used for sheathing or roofing.

Two of the most popular choices for roof sheathing are OSB and CDX plywood. OSB stands for Oriented Strand Board, which is made up of strands of wood that are compressed and bonded together using heat and pressure. This creates a strong, lightweight material that can withstand more weight than solid wood and is less expensive than plywood. However, OSB swells when wet and can contain a large amount of formaldehyde, which can be harmful to the environment. Therefore, we recommend opting for CDX plywood when working on a new roof. This type of plywood is a great balance between price and performance and will provide the sheathing your roof needs.

Underlayment

The first layer of your roof is the underlayment, which is a waterproof or water-resistant barrier that goes directly on the roof deck. It’s important to install this before other roofing materials go on, as it protects the structural sheathing from moisture and also prevents tar from coming into contact with the wood.

There are many different types of underlayment, from traditional asphalt-saturated felt to modern synthetics. Felt underlayment is usually cut into manageable sections, often about 10-15 feet long, which helps to minimize waste and make it easier to handle and install. It comes in either 15-pound or 30-pound rolls, depending on the thickness of the material. Asphalt-saturated underlayment is less expensive but not as effective as its synthetic counterparts, which are designed to last longer and can withstand more damage.

While underlayment isn’t always required by building codes, not using it makes your roof more vulnerable to leaks and other problems. For instance, if you have an older home with pine or fir sheathing, resin pockets in these boards can react with certain roof-covering materials, such as asphalt shingles, and cause accelerated deterioration.

Besides protecting the sheathing and your home from moisture, underlayment also provides an extra layer of insulation to keep your home more comfortable. This stops heat from escaping in hot weather and lessens cold air loss in winter, helping to reduce energy costs and ease the load on your heating and cooling systems.

If you’re replacing an existing roof, underlayment will provide a more effective water barrier than old felt underlayment. However, it’s not a good idea to replace your existing shingles with new shingles over old underlayment, as this can lead to condensation and other issues.

Local building codes require that the underlayment used for your roof meets minimum safety and quality standards. Working with a professional roofer ensures that the underlayment you choose and use will be up to code and will do its job well. It can be challenging to navigate all of the regulations in your area, but a roofer can help you stay compliant and avoid any costly or time-consuming mistakes that could put your project behind schedule or jeopardize the safety and integrity of your roof.

Flashing

A roof’s flashing protects the structure from water damage at points where it meets other structures and features. Without effective flashing, moisture can seep into these junctions and cause mold, rot and structural damage. Flashing is typically made from metal and consists of a sheet that’s resistant to moisture and other weather conditions.

There are many types of flashing, each designed to fulfill a specific purpose. Some of the most common include:

Step flashing: Installed at the juncture or valley of two intersecting roof planes, this type of flashing uses a series of small pieces that overlap each other and divert water away from the vulnerable area. This is commonly found around chimneys and walls.

Counter flashing: A piece of metal that’s installed over the top of a run of step flashing, this provides a barrier against leaks and helps prevent moisture from entering the building. This is also used at the juncture where a sloped roof meets a vertical wall or other protrusion.

Chimney flashing: This type of flashing is applied to the roof at the point where a chimney penetrates it. It consists of several components, including step flashing that integrates with the shingles, counter flashing and a cricket or saddle that diverts water around the chimney base.

Plumbing vent flashing boots: These are fitted around pipes protruding from the roof, preventing water from entering the structure at these points. These typically consist of a flat base that integrates with the roof material and an upward-extending sleeve that fits snugly around the pipe.

Window and door flashing: Typically embedded in wall interruptions such as windows, this type of flashing prevents water ingress at these points and also redirects water that may have entered back outside. Sill flashing: Concealed under windows or doors, this type of flashing spans the thickness of a wall and directs water to weep holes.

Roof flashing is essential to a building’s integrity and longevity, protecting it from moisture and other weather elements that can harm the structure. Proper installation is key, and this is why hiring a professional to perform the job is always recommended.

Shingles

Shingles are a key element in roofing and provide the visual appeal of a roof. They come in a variety of colors and styles that can complement any home. When properly installed and maintained, shingles can protect a roof for decades.

Asphalt shingles are the most popular type of shingle used on homes. They consist of a fiberglass mat saturated on both sides with hot asphalt and topped with a layer of granules. The granules add strength and resistance to the shingles. The shingles also help to reflect the sun’s heat, which can reduce cooling costs.

The shingles are designed to be installed in courses, with each shingle offset from the next one. The first course of shingles is called the starter course, and the last shingles are known as the ridge course. The shingles are secured to the underlayment with roof cement.

A variety of specialty shingles are available to homeowners, including ones that fight algae growth and offer enhanced resistance to damaging hail. Some shingles are even coated with special material that helps them to retain their color and resist cracking and peeling. Choosing a special shingle type can significantly lower your insurance premiums.

Depending on the area of your home, you can choose shingles that are lighter or darker to better suit your climate. Lighter shingles reflect more of the sun’s energy, which can lower your cooling costs in warmer regions. Darker shingles absorb more of the sun’s energy, which may reduce your heating costs in colder regions.

In addition to the material and style of shingles, you should also consider how they’ll coordinate with your home’s design and neighborhood aesthetic. For example, a traditional Colonial will look best with wood or slate shingles, while a modern ranch home might look better with metal options.

A shingles rash typically occurs in a single band along the body or face and looks similar to chickenpox. If you suspect that you have shingles, you should see your healthcare provider for an exam and to confirm the diagnosis. They will likely do a physical and ask about your health history.