Tag: window contractor

Factors to Consider When Buying Replacement Windows

Replacement Windows Massachusetts will boost your home’s curb appeal and increase its value. However, there are many factors to consider before making a purchase.

Replacement Windows

Major signs of rot or water damage are deal breakers; so are window frames out of square by more than 1/2 inch. Also, if your windows don’t open easily, they may pose safety issues in case of a fire.

Replacing your home’s windows is a big project and it’s not for the financially faint of heart. According to Thumbtack, the online local-services marketplace, the average cost for a replacement window is $500 and if you’re replacing all of your home’s windows, it can be upwards of $17,645. The exact amount of money you will spend on your replacement windows will depend on a variety of factors, including the style of windows you choose, the material they are made from, and where you live in the country.

Unlike new construction windows, which are installed in openings created for them, replacement windows are designed to fit in existing window frames and can be used in a wide range of home styles. You can choose from double-hung, casement, sliding, bay and bow windows, awnings, fixed-angle windows and more. There are also many options in terms of colors and finishes, from wood to vinyl.

The best replacement windows will offer several features that can save you money and energy. For instance, a Low-E coating reflects heat and reduces the amount of UV light entering your house, which can prevent carpets and furniture from fading. A SHGC rating and ENERGY STAR rating are other important considerations when shopping for replacement windows.

If your old windows are drafty, you have high energy bills or you’re bothered by noise coming from outside, a replacement may be a wise investment for your home. You can expect to see lower heating and cooling costs, reduced fading of interior surfaces and improved curb appeal.

The best replacement windows are those that you’ll enjoy living with for a long time and can add value to your home. Look for a brand that offers an excellent warranty and great customer service, along with a wide selection of products. Conduct research on the company’s products and installation methods, read reviews and testimonials and visit showrooms to get a feel for their product.

Energy Efficiency

Getting replacement windows that are energy efficient is widely lauded as an effective way to cut down on drafts and save money on heating bills. But how much do these windows cost, and how much do they really save?

The energy savings of replacement windows can be significant. By insulating your home and preventing heat transfer and blocking drafts, they can reduce your dependence on air conditioning systems during the summer and heating system during the winter. In the long run, these savings can help offset your initial investment in energy-efficient replacement windows.

While there are many factors to consider when selecting replacement windows, you can make a good choice by choosing models that have been ENERGY STAR or NFRC (National Fenestration Ratings Council) certified. This designation ensures that your new windows have been thoroughly tested and meet a specific set of performance standards. These windows can be installed in existing window openings or can be used as part of a new construction project.

Replacement windows are available in a variety of styles and designs to match your home’s style and size requirements. Some are designed to fit into an existing frame and can be used as a single- or double-hung window or as a bay or bow window. Others are designed to be installed as a full-frame window. They can be a fixed or venting unit and are available in wood, aluminum-clad wood or vinyl.

The most energy-efficient replacement windows have multiple panes of glass. The gap between the glass panes is usually filled with a nonreactive gas, such as argon or krypton, which further insulates your home. You should also choose windows with low-E coatings to minimize the amount of sunlight that passes through them into your home. Lastly, you should consider installing awnings or overhangs that will further shade your windows and reduce solar heat gain. Depending on where you live, you may also be eligible for state and local tax credits. These can offset the initial purchase and installation costs of your replacement windows. Contact your local energy department for more information.

Durability

In addition to cost and energy efficiency, homeowners should also consider the durability of their replacement windows. A high-quality window should be able to stand up to weather conditions and other stresses, such as the weight of snow or rain.

A good manufacturer will offer a warranty for their replacement windows that covers both the materials and workmanship of the product. Some manufacturers offer lifetime warranties while others provide limited or prorated warranties. Lifetime warranties can include replacement parts and labor costs, as well as transferable options if the homeowner decides to sell their home.

The best replacement windows are made with durable, long-lasting materials that can resist fading and moisture damage. Some manufacturers also offer additional upgrades, such as argon or krypton gas, which add an extra layer of insulation to the glass panes. These upgrades will increase the longevity of the replacement windows, reducing the need for repairs or replacements.

Depending on the style and material, replacement windows can come in different types of frames. Some are designed as insert replacement windows, which slip into an existing window opening and attach to the old frame’s jamb liners. Others are new construction windows that use a detailed metal frame to support the sashes and fasten to the walls. New construction windows are a better option for buildings in historic districts, as they can be installed without requiring the approval of the Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC).

Pella offers a number of different replacement window styles and materials. They also focus on energy efficiency and are rated as the Best Replacement Windows for Energy Efficiency by ENERGY STAR. The company’s Impervia, Defender and Hurricane Shield series all meet ENERGY STAR standards, and buyers can customize their products with higher performance glass options.

Milgard offers a variety of replacement window styles and materials at a reasonable price. Their fiberglass-framed windows are more durable than vinyl and can stand up to heat and cold. Milgard also offers a wide range of colors for the window casing, including clay, dark bronze, white and brushed chrome. Their windows are available in single-hung, slider, casement, awning, picture and radius styles.

Installation

The installation process for replacement windows is much quicker than for new construction because it doesn’t require removing existing materials. It also doesn’t involve building a frame around the opening, making it an ideal choice for homeowners looking for a simple upgrade with minimal disruption to their home.

The replacement window installation process usually takes one day for two installers to complete. However, a few key factors can affect this timeline. Before installation day, it’s important to clear the area where the window professionals will work of furniture and other objects that could get in their way. They’ll also need at least four to six feet of clearance to work on the outside of the window.

After preparing the window opening, the contractor will bore 3/8-inch-diameter holes in the sill and head jambs, and spray foam into the sash weight pockets. This will prevent moisture from seeping into the frames and ruining the seal on your home’s exterior. Then, the contractor will apply an elastomeric caulk around the exterior casings or blind stops on the top and sides of the window frame. They’ll also run a continuous bead of caulk along the sill and header.

Once the replacement windows are installed, a professional will check that the window is centered in the opening and that it opens, closes, and locks smoothly. They’ll also measure the distance from the window sill to the floor and ceiling at both the top and bottom of the opening. They’ll then use shims to ensure the window is plumb and level in both directions.

After the replacement window is properly positioned, the contractor will caulk the inside of the window and around the exterior trim. They’ll also fill the voids in the frame with loose fiberglass or low expansion foam insulation. Then, they’ll caulk and paint the frame to protect it from the elements and weather. They’ll also add a drip cap to keep water from collecting in the corner of the opening. Finally, the installer will install a weather strip to keep moisture out and cold air in during winter.

How to Make a Vinyl Siding Repair

With a little inspection and regular maintenance, vinyl siding will last for decades. However, occasionally you will need have Vinyl Siding Repair Charleston SC.

Siding Repair

Holes, cracks, and dents are invitations for mold and bugs to enter your home, so it’s important to make these repairs as soon as you notice them.

A broken panel of vinyl siding isn’t just unsightly; it can also provide an easy way for insects and rodents to access the interior of your home. In addition, damaged vinyl is unable to insulate your home properly, leading to higher energy bills. Fortunately, fixing this problem is relatively simple and can be done yourself in a few easy steps.

First, use a hammer or pry bar to loosen the nails or screws holding the damaged panel in place. Next, remove the nails or screws and separate the panel from the wall. Once the damaged panel is removed, you’ll need to replace it with a new one that matches the size and style of the existing panels. Luckily, most homeowners have leftover pieces from the last time their homes were sided that they can use for this purpose. Others may be able to find the same type of vinyl siding at a local home improvement store or from a siding supplier.

Once you’ve found the right piece of replacement vinyl, cut it to size and remove the nailing flange at the top of the piece. Apply generous beads of butyl caulk to the area where you’re repairing, and slide the new piece into place. Once the butyl caulk has dried, you can use a zip tool to hook the upper and lower lips of the replacement piece together.

If the new panel is a different color than the rest of your siding, paint it after it dries to hide the patch. It should take about three coats of exterior latex paint to cover the new patch and give it the same look as your vinyl siding.

Keep in mind that fiberglass repair kits can only be used on small holes. For larger repairs, they can cause “puckering” in the vinyl if it expands and contracts at different rates than the surrounding siding. This is why most professionals will choose to replace a section of vinyl whose damage exceeds an inch or two in depth. However, you can still make smaller repairs by simply filling in the hole or crack with a matching caulk.

Patching holes or cracks

Although vinyl siding is fairly resilient, sometimes stray baseballs or burrowing insects can cause holes, dents, or cracks. These can be a real eyesore on your home’s exterior, but they may also lead to further damage by allowing unwanted moisture into your siding. Fortunately, patching these issues is a relatively easy and inexpensive DIY project that can save you from having to pay a professional.

You can use a caulk designed specifically for vinyl to fill small nail holes and minor cracks. You can find it at most hardware stores or home centers. It comes in a variety of tints, so you should be able to match it to your siding color. Before using the caulk, however, make sure that you clean the area thoroughly with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any dirt or debris that could get in the way of a smooth application.

For larger holes or cracks, you will need to replace the damaged segment of vinyl. To do this, first separate the broken panel from the rest of your vinyl siding. This can be done with a zip tool, which is essentially a hook that you slide underneath the broken piece. Once you have the panel unhooked, it’s a good idea to use a pry bar or claw hammer to remove any nails that are holding it in place.

Next, you will need to cut a replacement piece of vinyl to fit the hole. If possible, you should try to use a piece of vinyl that is the same shade as the one you are replacing. If this isn’t available, you should be able to find a close match at a home center or online.

Once you have the new piece of vinyl, apply a bead of caulk around its perimeter to ensure it adheres well and seals the hole. If necessary, you should use a putty knife to adjust the patch as needed. You should let the caulk dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Once the patch has had a chance to dry, you should paint over it with an exterior latex paint that matches your vinyl siding as closely as possible. This will help conceal the repair and prevent moisture from entering the gap.

Filling holes or cracks

If your vinyl siding has small holes or a few cracks, it is possible to repair them without replacing the entire panel. It is important to repair these areas promptly to avoid additional problems like water intrusion and mold and mildew growth. This may also help with your home’s resale value.

A common method to repair these areas is to use caulking that matches the color of the vinyl. This can be done fairly quickly and inexpensively, especially if the vinyl siding is a common color. However, for more distinctive colors, it will be necessary to order special vinyl caulk, which can be expensive and difficult to find.

Another method is to use fiberglass repair kits. These contain fiberglass strands and resin, which, when mixed with a hardener, can be applied to the damaged area of vinyl. These products are usually available in a wide range of colors and can be purchased at many hardware stores. However, one disadvantage to this method is that the fiberglass takes on the color of the hardener used, which can create a noticeable and unsightly line.

Finally, a very simple and quick method of filling holes or cracks in vinyl is to apply a bead of caulking to the area around the hole or crack. It is important to clean the area and make sure it is completely dry before applying the caulk. Once the caulk has dried, it is easy to remove with a utility knife or a putty knife and to sand the area smooth if needed.

If you are unable to remove the section of vinyl or if the damage is more extensive, it is probably best to contact a professional for vinyl siding repair. In these situations, professionals will have the tools and experience to do a proper job in a safe manner. A professional will also be able to tell you if the damage is beyond repair and can recommend other options, such as replacement or other repairs. When choosing a professional, it is important to choose someone with the appropriate skills and insurance for working on ladders or using power tools such as tin snips or utility knives.

Repainting

While vinyl siding is extremely durable and offers many benefits over other types of home cladding, it can be damaged in the form of chips or cracks. These small blemishes are less than ideal and can create a welcoming environment for insects and water leakage. If you notice any of these issues, it’s important to address them right away, as even a small gap in your siding can allow water and pests into your home.

While hiring a professional to repaint your siding may seem like the most prudent option, this project is quite doable for homeowners who are willing to tackle it. It just takes a little prep work to make sure you get the best results.

If you notice your vinyl is fading, it’s likely time to repaint it. This can also be a sign that the waterproof layer is wearing away, which could lead to leaking and mold growth. This can be more serious and will require a more extensive repair.

To repaint a vinyl panel, first remove it from the nails and screws holding it in place. You can use a pry bar, hammer, or drill to do this. Once the panel is free, slide a zip tool underneath to unhook it from the panel above. Once you’ve removed the damaged section of vinyl, use a zip tool to lift up the course above. Using the same technique, you can then pull up any nails holding that piece to your house and remove it.

Before attempting to repaint, it’s important to clean the surface of your vinyl siding with soap and water to ensure that the new paint will adhere well. It’s also a good idea to lightly sand the area, starting with 100-grit and then moving up to 220-grit. Once you’ve sanded, be sure to wipe the sanding dust away with a damp cloth.

Once you’ve cleaned the damaged area, cut a section of scrap vinyl that matches your existing siding to the size of the hole or crack. Trim the curved edges of the vinyl patch so that they match up with the curves of your damaged panel. Then, apply a bead of caulk around the hole or crack to secure it in place and prevent moisture from seeping in. Once the caulk dries, be sure to touch it up with exterior paint that matches your home’s color.