Is Your Home Ready to Fend Off Old Man Winter?

With the days getting cooler and the leaves slowly beginning to change, now is the time to start thinking about those problem areas on your home that get worse with every winter.  As a homeowner of Western PA, you know the wear and tear Mother Nature can cause on your house over the years.  The impact of this accumulated damage becomes even more noticeable during the windy and cold winter months. If you are thinking that this is the year you need to do take that step, now is the best time get the ball rolling.

Over the years nothing takes more abuse than your windows. Traditional materials that were used to make windows don’t stand up well against the elements. They’ve deteriorated; have broken seals and poor weather-stripping. All this makes them look bad and hard to operate.  But even worse, the energy you’re losing through those is like throwing money out the window. 

Air infiltration can be a major source of window energy loss. Properly manufactured and installed windows can cut this drastically. To maximize the benefit, new windows need to be properly insulated and sealed around the perimeter. They also need to be properly trimmed out and sealed with high performance caulking that has long term durability. Windows designed with compression seals between their moving parts tend to be superior to designs that rely on hard to maintain edge seals that can change over time. 

Since the majority of any window is glass, maximizing its performance and long-term durability is critical. Today’s superior performing products have Low-E coatings and an inert gas between the two panes of glass. Low-E glass uses a atoms thick silver coating on the inside of the glass that works like a heat reflecting mirror, bouncing heat back towards the direction it came from. In the summer time it reflects the heat back to the outside of your home, keeping your house cooler, while in the wintertime it reflects back towards the inside of your home, allowing it to stay warmer.

High performing insulated glass units replace the air space between the two panes of glass with a lower conductivity gas, such as argon, reducing the transfer of heat. For long-term performance, it is also a good idea to look for premium glass units that have a double seal around the glass perimeter. They will last years longer than units with a single seal.

 Another area that gets hit hard by the environment is the siding on your home. Many Western Pa homes were built with aluminum, wood or cheap flake-board siding. All of these old technology materials are now showing the effects of long-term exposure to ravages of Mother Nature. Newer materials, such as today’s vinyl siding products, are a great way to protect your home’s exterior from the elements. It comes in a multitude of styles and colors to fit the architecture of your home. Most people know that new siding improves your home appearance and provides protection that cuts maintenance costs. However, most consumers don’t realize that is also the ideal time to increase the insulating values of your walls. House wraps, which cut air leakage through your walls, and insulation board under the siding can enhance the energy performance of under insulated walls. Many of today’s better siding products come with integral foam backing that not only saves energy, but also adds strength and stiffness to the siding panel.

 Many consumers believe that proper attic ventilation is only important in the summer to get the heat out. However, it’s even more important in the wintertime to prevent the build-up of excessive moisture. Moisture in your attic can cause paint peeling and deterioration of your soffits and rotting of your roof decking, not to mention potential mold problems. Attic ventilation can be a complex subject. The best way to know if you’re okay is to consult with a contractor who has experience and training. Proper attic ventilation today can prevent costly repairs in the future.

The third way to prepare for winter is to make sure your attic is properly ventilated through correct soffit ventilation.  A poorly ventilated attic results in costly damage to your roof due to excessive trapped moisture.  Plus, the paint on your soffit will begin to flake off!  However, if you take the time to speak with a home remodeling consultant and chose a ventilation system that best suits your home, you’ll have no need to even consider fixing roofing issues in the spring!  Investing in new soffit now will be a smaller cost than paying for roof repair after the damage is already done.

Finally, the fourth way to make sure your home is guarded against the winter blast is by investing in a gutter protection system.  Gutter protection keeps leaves and debris from getting into your gutter that clog gutters in the fall and cause freezing issues in the winter.  So by the time spring comes around, you have the unpleasant chore of cleaning out decomposing leaves (and who knows what else) from your gutters.  During this time you may also see how your gutters have distorted during the frozen winter months.  Western PA witnesses green leaves, fall leaves, dead leaves, and frozen leaves—the question is, where do you want them?  

As you can see, there are many ways you can prepare your home for winter.  So this winter, before you see water damage; before your wood rots from excessive moisture; before you have to paint again; before you have to clean out your gutters, and most of all, before you lose another cent on your energy bills—research how investing in windows, insulated siding, soffit ventilation, and gutter protection may benefit you and your home before winter settles in.  

How to Choose the Right Windows for Your Home (Part 2)

The major components of buying replacement windows were discussed in our last post, but as they say, the devil is in the details; and when it comes to windows, there are a number of design details to consider. One detail is how are the windows made? Are they standard sizes or are they custom made? Custom made windows are always the best choice. Since your house may shift slightly as it settles, custom windows are the best way to ensure your window will fit the openings in your home properly, providing optimum energy efficiency. How are the windows weather stripped? Is the weather stripping trapped in a track or does it try to seal on an edge, making the quality of the installation extremely critical?

Find out what is available for the interior and exterior trim packages. Don’t assume that trim is included in the price, because that is not always the case. The famous $189 window we all see advertised doesn’t include trim, or several other things for that matter. Make sure that the contactor you choose is adding fiberglass batt insulation in any space created between the new window and the frame of the opening. This will cut the air leakage around the window and insulate the space. 

As discussed in our previous post on choosing the right contractor, warranties are critical. Read the fine print, ask questions and make sure you understand the answers fully. Just because the warranty is stated as “lifetime”, don’t assume every component of the window and installation is covered forever. In most cases, it isn’t.

The bottom line is this; take the time to understand what you are getting for your money. Don’t allow yourself to be taken by the first high pressure sales person that comes through the door. Take the time to look for the investment that gives you the greatest value, not the lowest price. It’s also critical for all parties involved in the buying decision to be present during any sales presentations. It eliminates confusion and allows everyone to be clear on what you are getting and agree on what options make your investment complete.

How to Choose the Right Windows for Your Home (Part 1)

As energy prices continue to soar and more consumers become conscious of energy efficiency, many homeowners are trading in their old, drafty windows and upgrading to new ones in a effort to go green and save some green too.

Most people look at new windows as an expense, which costs money, but they really should be looked at as an investment, which is defined as a thing worth buying because it will be profitable or useful in the future. If you choose the right windows, the value and comfort of your home will increase, and your energy bills  and maintenance costs will decrease. Like any investment decision you need to educate yourself so you really understand what you are getting for your money. Here are 2 of the critical components to consider when selecting new windows:

Glasses and Gasses: It represents the largest area of the window so glass obviously has the biggest impact on energy loss.  Newer technology such as low conductivity spacers, Low-E coatings and gas filling have been able to cut the amount of energy that flows through the glass. Low-E is a metallic coating that works like a one-way mirror. The almost-invisible coating reflects heat back into your home during the winter and reflects it out during the summer. There are a variety of Low-E coatings with different performance levels and price points. Titanium is one of the more expensive, yet better performing coatings, and is well worth the money. 

Inert gasses like argon and krypton are also used to improve the energy efficiency of glass. Because they are less conductive than normal air, they reduce the energy that can be lost across the air space between two panes of glass. Look for windows that have warm edge spacers that separate the panes of glass. These will decrease heat loss and reduce condensation on the edges of the glass more effectively than conventional metal spacers.

Framing Materials: Windows are available in a variety of different framing materials, but vinyl is the most widely used for today’s replacement windows.  Vinyl weathers well, cleans easily and is virtually maintenance free. Because vinyl features low thermal conductivity, it’s a great material for minimizing heat loss. Some critics are concerned with the strength of vinyl, but look for vinyl windows that are designed with hollow cavities for stiffness, and reinforced with aluminum in all the major structural areas to ensure a sturdy vinyl window.

How to Choose the Right Window and Door Company (Part 4): Workmanship

The 4^th critical element to take into consideration is workmanship. Before you choose a contractor to work on your home, make sure he employs certified InstallationMasters installers. InstallationMasters installers have been trained on proper installation techniques for windows and doors and have passed quality and proficiency exams. Here are 6 simple ways to identify a contractor that will provide you with the quality workmanship you deserve:

Jobsite Photos: A contractor who excels at service and craftsmanship should be eager to show you photos of past projects similar to yours. If your contractor can’t do this, this should be a major red flag!

Price Integrity: Unfortunately, a common practice in the contracting industry is to give an estimate with an inflated price built in, and to use a price-drop sales tactic if the customer says the estimate is too high. Under these circumstances, buyers beware. If a contractor uses these types of tactics when selling, how will he handle the installation of your project? An ethical contractor will start with the real and fair cost to you.

Money Back Guarantee: Did you know that less than 1% of all contractors offer a money back guarantee against problems you may experience while having work done on your home? A money back guarantee ensures that if something goes wrong with your home improvement project that cannot be fixed by reasonable measures, the contractor will refund your money. This is a guarantee that only the most capable and confident contractors would agree to. Protect yourself by choosing a contractor who can offer a money back guarantee. 

Lowest Price Guarantee:  Every homeowner out there is looking for the best possible value for the best possible price. It’s important to remember that price is only one component of the value equation, so you need to be sure to compare prices of contractors who are offering similar value. An honest contractor will offer you great value and a guarantee in writing that he will match the lowest price you can find on identical products, workmanship and warranties. 

A Legitimate Lifetime Warranty: A contractor worthy of your consideration will back any product they manufacture and install with a no-small-print 100 percent lifetime warranty. This warranty should cover any and all defects in the products and installation. Many contractors simply pass on the warranty from the manufacturer of the window, and that only covers the product. In the fine print on these warranties, you’ll notice they do not cover issues that are related to installation or the labor required to replace defective parts. Also hidden in the fine print are labor charges for service or proration clauses, which over time, reduces the real value of coverage. “Lifetime” looks great in the title, but be sure to take to time to find out what is buried in the fine print. Be sure to get any and all concerns clarified in writing.

How to Choose the Right Window and Door Company (Part 3): Professionalism

The 3^rd critical element to consider when hiring a contractor to trust with your windows and doors is professionalism. A quality contractor understands that little things such as class and professionalism go a long way when dealing with customers. Make sure you choose a contracting company that not only has a professional appearance but is willing to take great care of your personal property while working in your home. Here are some items to be on the look-out for when searching for a professional contractor:

No Pressure Sales Agreement: Unfortunately, most consumers are all too familiar with sales people who resort to unethical high-pressure sales tactics to get you to buy before you have had the opportunity to properly research and review their company. You should be concerned about investing with any contractor that you know nothing about prior to the sales call. Legitimate contractors will send you literature, let you review references, and provide company information on their website. If you feel uncomfortable or pressured during the sales call, you should ask the contractor to back off. If he continues to pressure you, ask him to leave and seek out another contractor. Trustworthy companies will have a no-pressure sales pledge signed by the client consultant and management. 

Worker Conduct Agreements: Ask prospective contractors to show you compliance agreements signed by employees that will be working on your home. This contract should note prohibited behavior such as the use of drugs and alcohol, foul language, etc. This code should also outline the company’s protocol for keeping the jobsite as clean as possible.

Manufacturing and Installation Pledges: A trustworthy contractor does little things that provide great value to you. Examples of this include signed pledges promising high quality products and proper insurance coverage. If a contractor claims they make their own products, make them prove it. You can do this by actually visiting their manufacturing facility or by asking for a document signed by company management as proof of their manufacturing promise. You also deserve to see in writing proof that the contractor’s installers are adequately insured by Worker’s Compensation Insurance. If they say they can’t do it, then it’s time to look for another contractor.

Notice of Cancellation Contract: Contractors are required to provide you with documentation that reviews your right of rescission. This should detail your right to cancel your order within three business days of signing the contract. This law ultimately protects you from getting swindled by a slick salesperson. Should you make a rush decision to sign an agreement for a contractor to work on your home, this notice of cancellation form gives you the grace period you need to ensure you’re getting the right job at the right price.

How to Choose the Right Window and Door Company (Part 2): Reputation

This post is the 2^nd in a 4 part series cautioning homeowners about the criteria to consider when hiring a window and door contractor. In addition to hiring a company that is stable, it is crucial to seek a company with a good reputation. It seems like a no-brainer, but too many times people don’t do their research and end up unhappy with their results. Take the time to talk to a company’s customers. If you are considering a contractor that has worked in your neighborhood, talk to neighbors and find out their experience. The internet can be another good resource for finding out information. Furthermore, you should insist that any contractor you’re considering can provide with the following items to prove their reputation is a good one.

Memberships: Any reputable contractor will be the member of at least one local Chamber of Commerce and a national remodeling organization. Additionally, any legitimate contractors will be registered (or certified where required) in the state they do business.

Accolades: Most likely a successful and honest contractor has earned some awards and recognition during the time they have been in business. Possible awards could include workplace satisfaction, business ethics or customer satisfaction awards. Honors like these reflect an outstanding effort on the contractor’s part to do the right thing when serving his clients. Magazine, newspaper, or even trade industry articles are another thing to look for, as it is very likely that a reputable contractor in business for any substantial length of time has been featured in various publications. While these achievements should not be the only determining factor when considering a contractor, these merits should be greatly valued. 

Customer References: All reputable contractors will carry a pre-printed list of references that include customers from one to five years ago, as well as customers from the previous six months. A five-year list of clients should contain at least 250-500 job references.

How to Choose the Right Window and Door Contractor (Part 1)

Choosing the right contractor to install windows and doors in your home is not for the faint of heart! According to a recent survey from Qualified Remodeler Magazine, 52% of homeowners said they would not use the same contractor again and 60% said they would not recommend a contractor they had used previously. The statistics in Pennsylvania are even worse, because Pennsylvania has no certification or licensing requirements for contractors, resulting in more than 75% of homeowners expressing dissatisfaction with their home remodeling experience! So why is it that so many people get the short end of the stick when dealing with contractors? Because most homeowners who don’t have previous experience “don’t know what they don’t know” about contractors. That is why it is so crucial to educate yourself before you buy. Choosing contractors based solely on the lowest price would be fine if all products and companies were created equally. Unfortunately, they’re not. This post is the first of a four part series of the components you should look for to ensure you are hiring a reputable contractor to trust with your new windows and doors:

Stability: The first component to consider when hiring a contractor is the stability of the company. Make sure you are doing business with a stable contractor who has an established reputation in the area, someone who can provide with a positive experience and who will be there for you should you have a problem somewhere down the road. Ask for these documents to ensure the stability of the company before trusting them with your home:

A Bank Letter: A signed letter from the contractor’s bank proves financial stability for the company you are considering. This letter also reflects the bank’s opinion of the contractor, as no reputable bank would provide a letter of stability for an untrustworthy contractor. If your contractor is unwilling to provide this documentation consider it a red flag. 

A Supplier Letter: A letter from a supplier reinforces the reputation and stability of a contracting company and provides confirmation of a contractor’s relationship with a supplier of materials they build with, which in turn boosts the contractor’s legitimacy. These letters are easy for a company to obtain from suppliers, so don’t let a contractor tell you otherwise.

Proof of Insurance: This one is a biggie! Never, never, never hire a contractor who can’t provide a Certificate of their Liability Insurance! A reputable contractor should have  around 1,000,000 in coverage. Why is this so important? Because if your contractor’s insurance policy can’t cover potential damages, the contractor is financially liable. If he is unable to cover the damages, the homeowner becomes responsible since most homeowners policies exclude damages or injuries caused by contractors. Additionally, ask for proof of Worker’s Compensation Insurance for each person working on your property. If they are not covered and they get hurt, they can sue you for their pain and suffering!