Apr 13

It’s true that replacement windows save money in energy costs. It’s true that the proper replacement windows, installed properly can add value to your home. It’s true that the cost to replace windows today is by comparison, cheaper then it has ever been. These are all truths about window replacement that have a provable factual basis. What is also true is that 70% of homes 10 years old or more can benefit from the installation of replacement windows. Of course, the older the home the greater the benefit will likely be, words of wisdom that you’ve probably heard before as well.

Over time window sealing effectiveness deteriorates and energy is lost through the leaks around windows. Of course that information isn’t new either. So to save energy or add value, home owners often replace windows and doors without considering some of the negative aspects of having a tightly sealed home.

Actually negative might be the wrong word to use. I hesitate at using the word negative, because it might sound as if I were advocating against replacement windows, which is not the case at all. Rather I think it is important to be aware of changes that replacing windows might bring about in the home. Two things come to mind that may need to be addressed along with windows and door replacement. These things can cause some potentially serious problems.

The first that comes to mind is the changes in indoor air pressure. If you have electric heat or a newer (within the last 5 years or so) thermo efficient gas or propane heating system, air pressure may not be a concern. Still you may want to think about the information presented and apply it to investigating your own home situation.

Why would we be concerned about air pressure in the home? Many homes over the last ten to twenty years, in many parts of the country have opted for such things as under floor and baseboard hot water heating, systems that utilize a boiler to heat water and circulate it throughout the home for heating purposes. When these systems were originally being installed, little thought was given to where the oxygen would be coming from that would complete the combustion process that the boilers need to heat the water.

Why would we need to think about such things? Well twenty years ago we probably didn’t need to. But with homes being build tighter and tighter all the time, it has become more of a concern, here’s why.

A gas or propane heating system, regardless of how it operates, either by circulating hot water from a boiler or via an induction type forced air system; they all require air, or oxygen to complete the combustion process to create heat. So where does this oxygen come from. Well for the most part it comes from the air that we utilize inside our homes. In older homes, where there were always tiny leaks in different places throughout the home made it possible for these heating systems to draw in enough air to operate smoothly. People never really noticed any problems and paid the cost of fuel. Already you might be seeing the fallacy in thinking everything was well.

• Air comes in through tiny cracks around windows and doors

• Heating system burns air from within the home to heat the home, causing more air to be drawn in through tiny cracks around windows and doors (cold air)

• Temperature falls because of the influx of outside air around leaky windows and doors

• Heating system burns air from within the home to heat the home, causing more air to be drawn in through tiny cracks around windows and doors (cold air)

• Temperature falls because of the influx of outside air around leaky windows and doors

You get the idea, and all this time homes were hemorrhaging money via fuel consumption. No one thought about it too much until the cost of fuel and energy started to climb rapidly. So people begin to attack the problem but where to start. Usually two areas of thought prevail, and those are more insulation, and stopping up the cold air flow around windows and door. It’s what we were told to do right? Absolutely.

So now we seal up the windows and doors either by replacement or maintenance, add more insulation and the result is a nice warm tightly sealed home that is more energy efficient right?

Yes and possibly no. Here is the catch for older homes with out dated heating systems. Creating a tightly sealed home can actually cause your older heating system to work harder and use more energy. How is that possible? By sealing up all those places where the heating system was drawing oxygen for combustion, we have effectively starved that combustion almost to death. Sometimes that sealing off of incoming air it so effective as to make that system quite ineffective as a heating source and creates negative air pressure in the home.

How can you know if you have a negative air pressure situation? Just open a door. If you hear air suck past a door when opened while the heating system is engaged, then you can be almost certain that a negative air pressure situation exists. If a negative air pressure situation exist, then you can be assured that your heating system isn’t running as efficiently as it should. It isn’t getting enough oxygen to complete the combustion process properly, thus wasting fuel. Another big clue that you have a negative air pressure situation is that you find a point or two that you now notice very cold air coming from in the home that you never noticed before. Not that the spot is by comparison cooler then others in the home, places where you can actually feel the cold air rushing in.

The reason that these cold spots develop in a negative air pressure situation, after windows and doors are replace is because your heating system that in the past had multiple places to draw air from, now only has a very few, and to maintain the combustion process, it must draw a greater volume of air from the few remaining sources making them more noticeable.

So we fix one problem and end up with another. But the solution is rather simple. Just replace the heating system. Simple right? Ok, so that isn’t funny, but there is a lesson to be learned, which new heating systems have taken into account.

New heating systems generally take into account that homes are more tightly sealed then ever before, and in knowing this they have provided the heating system with its own outside air source. Usually a two or three inch PVC pipe through an outside wall, one that is as close as possible to the unit’s location. In doing so, the need to draw air through the rest of the house is effectively eliminated, while supplying all the oxygen needed for healthy and energy efficient combustion at the heating unit.

The reason that the outside air source needs to be as close as possible has to do with the path of least resistance law of flow. Air just like water will take the path of least resistance when flowing. If the provided outside air source is too far away, and the system can draw oxygen from a closer source easier, it will do so.

In part two of this article I will discus another major concern that may need to be dealt with when replacing the windows in your home.

Scott Best is a freelance writer in association with http://brandnewwindows.com Read more of his articles at http://newmodularinfo.com/articles/

Apr 12

As energy costs continue to soar, it’s no surprise that homeowners are making the switch to high efficiency replacement windows more rapidly than ever before. Sure, the list of benefits that comes along with installing replacement windows goes on and on, but more often than not, homeowners choose to make the upgrade primarily for the cost savings and added value. In almost every imaginable scenario, replacement windows are a clear choice indeed.


Replacement Windows Save Money


Would you be surprised to learn that the money saved in home heating and cooling costs can actually be enough to pay for the replacement windows in a matter of just a few years? It’s no myth. Installing new high efficiency windows in an otherwise well insulated, efficient home will reduce energy usage by a remarkable amount.


Replacement Windows Save Energy


Let’s not forget about one of the most important benefits of maintaining an efficient home, besides the expense factor alone. Putting in new replacement windows to reduce energy usage is also a great way to have a part in making the world a greener place.


Replacement Windows Add Value


Another major financial benefit to swapping out those old drafty windows with brand new air tight quality replacement windows is the value they add to a home. Whether you’re considering selling your home in a near time to come or plan to remain in the house for the indefinite future, it’s easy to appreciate adding value to the home and increasing resale potential at the same time. And with the competitive real estate market we have today, buyers really are demanding the perks such as having new efficient windows when they make their home purchasing choices.


Replacement Windows Are Attractive


Compared to the stereotype replacement windows might have had a decade or two ago, today’s quality replacement windows really look fantastic. Depending on your home’s architectural and decorating style, there’s a new window design that will fit in perfectly – it doesn’t matter if the home was built in 1990 or 1890. The latest replacement windows come in classic styles that could fool even the choosiest preservationists. Today’s quality windows just aren’t the generic, bland, or boring designs that might have been commonplace in the early days of efficient replacement window.


Replacement Windows Are Easy To Install


Whether you happen to be the do-it-yourselfer or would rather hire a professional installer, one thing is certain – replacement windows are designed from the ground up to be very easy to install. This means you’ll be spend less time putting the new windows in and more time enjoying the benefits they offer. No matter how you look at it, installing good quality replacement windows is a clear choice!

Learn more about buying vinyl windows and replacement windows at Windows Plus or visit WebFirstCreations forum for more topics by window contractors .

Apr 12

Before a window was simply a part of the house primarily used to let one see what’s going on outside. But nowadays homeowners are asking a lot more functionality from their windows. Windows are now expected to do just what we hope to get from our abode:  protect us from the environmental elements outside. That is, keep us warm during cold days and cold on warm days. Pretty simple, don’t you think?

The thing however, is, not all windows have the properties to do this. How many of us have had to retreat to the confines of a cooler basement in the summer? Or found our home drafty in the winter? These situations don’t exactly make for the most comfortable living conditions, do they? If you are experiencing the same problems in your home, don’t worry. There’s a simple solution to this predicament. And no, it doesn’t involve packing up and finding a new house. Just these: replacement windows.

Replacement windows – What are they?

If your house is getting to cold or too hot depending on the season, or if your electricity bill is just too high, chances are, your windows are not working as efficiently as they should. When this happens, then it’s time to literally go “window shopping.”

Replacement windows come in many different styles, to fit almost any window type and need. As the name suggests, replacement windows are those that you substitute your old windows with for the purpose of making your home more cost and energy efficient.  For this reason, replacement windows are usually insulated glass units or double-pane windows. While single-pane windows still have some use in certain types of houses and climates, they are slowly becoming a thing of the past.

What makes an insulated replacement window ideal for today’s need is that it consists of two glass panels with air space between them – effective for keeping the heat or cold out or in, whichever way you want it.

Replacement windows for energy efficiency

With the increasing emphasis on energy conservation and energy efficiency these days, replacement windows addresses all these concerns, not only making life better for the homeowner, but also helping to preserve our world for future generations.

Different materials used and the technology applied on replacement windows largely determine how efficient these are going to be. First, the glass panes could be coated or not. Glass panes that are applied with a thin coating of metallic oxide that helps to  prevent heat from passing through are called “Low e” or low emissivity glass.

Manufacturers also put gases in between panes to further delay the movement of heat in the air space. Argon and Krypton make for the most efficient and expensive windows, while dehydrated air is contained in the more affordable types. For spacing material, aluminum used to be commonly used although as this is a heat conductor, stainless steel, composite metal, and rubber are now being used as well. Finally, the window frame material itself is also contributory to the efficiency level of the windows. Window companies commonly use metal frames, wood, or vinyl-clad wood for this purpose.

The right combination of all these factors can make for replacement windows that will not only make your home warm and comfortable, but keep the bills down as well.

Looking for the right replacement windows

Before going out and actually making that purchase, make sure you have your window replacement basics down pat. Find out what styles there are available and which fit your house and your budget perfectly. Then when you’ve narrowed your list down to a few types, go out and a do a “hands-on” test of these windows and see which have the best feel to it.

Remember that energy efficient windows make your house more attractive, more comfortable, allows you a lot of savings, and increases the value of your home. So go ahead and invest on good replacement windows because in the long run, it will be well worth it.

If you need replacement windows in Minneapolis, visit the Minneapolis replacement windows directory to find a contractor.

Apr 11

When choosing replacement windows, you want to get the best value from the service provider that you are hiring. The right decision can save you lots of time and money. The wrong decision may result in undesirable consequences such as incurring unexpected repair costs. Therefore, it is important that you hire the best firms to install the windows for you.

Usually, window replacement companies offer no obligation in house consultations. Before contacting them, you should have a general idea of the type of windows that you want. When the consultants arrive, they will be able to give you better advise on your various options, and whether your ideas are feasible and practical or not. There are several issues you need to consider before coming to a final decision.

Workmanship and professional installation.

The Company that you hire must be able to show that they have excellent workmanship, and offers professional installation. You can assess the service provider by looking at previous works that the firm has completed. Or you can simply ask a few questions during a face to face consultation to determine whether the people know what their work really well.

Besides installation advice, professional firms should be provide value added advice such as insurance coverage, securing financing, property damage, and more.

Warranty period.

This is something that you must remember to ask. The warranty period is the duration where you are entitled to repairs in the event of damage so that you don’t incur additional costs. For example, glass breakage or seal failure should be covered. The conditions of the warranty should be well defined in the contract. Professional firms should be able to offer lifetime warranty.

Lifetime warranty does not mean that the warranty lasts forever. But the warranty lasts for a long time – as long as 50 years. This warranty must be transferable, just in case the property is sold.

Energy saving.

The type of glass used actually helps to save energy. Energy savings can be as high as 40%. Here is how it works.

In summer, the special glass reflects long wave heat energy back to the outdoors. This helps to save cooling costs.

In winter, the special glass reflects low wave heat energy back into the house, thus helping to save on heating costs.

In this way, your decision to replace windows with energy saving glass panels will help you save money in the long run. This is commonly known as the Energy Star program.

All Energy Star windows must be NFRC rated, and properly labeled for both heat loss and heat gain. This is necessary to help consumers make decisions more easily.

Finally, choose window frames that match the overall design of your house. There are many different types of designs available. So surely, there will be something that will match your current design. Some glass panels even come in different shades and colors. Make sure that you choose something that suits your personal tastes!

Apr 10

Over the past decade, replacing windows has become one of the most popular remodeling projects for homes all across the country. Whether its vinyl or wood that you are replacing your existing, decrepit windows with, you are doing more to your home then just dressing up your exterior…you are creating a much more comfortable, energy efficient home.

With energy costs projected to go up an average of 30% over the next 18 months and the real estate market declining (meaning you will probably not move), now is the perfect time to get a new set of shades for your estate. With hundreds of different styles and models to choose from, purchasing the perfect window could be a tiresome process, but here are a few things to look for when shopping for new windows:

Double Pane: make sure it’s a double pane window. Some companies might try and up sell you a triple pane, but the third pane is a complete waste of money and will make your windows heavier than they should be (this could lead to your jams sagging and causing framing issues in the future).

LoE: this is a thin layer of “tint” embedded into the glass. This keeps harmful sun rays from penetrating through the glass and damaging your floors, curtains etc…this will also keep your house from heating up inadvertently.

Argon Gas: not harmful at all…but the gas in between the panes of glass is what keeps the energy that you use in your house (you will notice a nice reduction in your energy bills). There are companies that offer so called “upgrades” to argon for a premium, but this is an absolute gimmick.

R Value: make sure the R value of the window you are considering has at least an R value of 2 or more (anything above an R4 is probably a waste of money, and again, more of a gimmick).

U Factor: the U factor determines how much of the suns UV rays are emitted through the glass. A good U factor is a .4 or less.

Now, you are definitely looking to save a nice bit of coin on your energy with new windows, but don’t let companies who promise 40-50% energy savings dupe you into buying their over priced Gucci windows. A recent window purchaser, Neil Gold, who I met at the local hardware store, told me, “you should realistically expect around 15-25% in energy savings. That’s what my window company Paragon Remodeling told me, and they hit it right on the money. My wife and I are saving around 20% a month.”

So to answer your subconscious’s question of should I replace or not? The answer is yes! Get new windows, don’t fall for any gimmicks, do not spend more than around $600-$800 a window and pick a company that will give you the facts straight. Not only will you improve the look of your house, but you will save some energy.

Paragon Remodeling, Inc is a Residential Home Remodeling Company located in Northern Virginia which specializes in replacement windows, siding, custom built decks and patios. Paragon Remodeling is specialized in virginia replacement windows and northern virginia windows From 2006-2008, this firm has received national recognition as a Top Remodeler by Qualified Remodeler Magazine for their utstanding home remodeling services for Northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC.

Apr 10

            The Virginia Window Replacement is one of the best options in present time for you to renovate your house and give it a new look. You can even save money by contacting one Virginia replacement window contractor and arrange for a replacement window. These windows have space for affixing two to three glass panes. They can provide you excellent insulation and free you from any added expenditure on heaters and air conditioners. This may also add up to physical appearance of your house.

 

            You can appoint a Virginia replacement window contractor to get your windows replaced. Working on a daily basis, you can have 10 of your windows replaced in a day. You can ask them to replace your existing untidy and unattractive window pane into new, attractive ones. The measurement of these window panes have to be done with utmost care as the approximations will not work in case of Virginia Window Replacement. The replacement windows are made up of substances such as aluminum, vinyl, glass etc. Employing tough glasses in window panes will need extra support and care. Thus professional installers are the only option that you can rely upon.  In order to make these window panes look cozy, you may have to reduce the size of the glass and thicken the supporting edges. You can use double glazed glass replacement windows. These double gazed panes have two different panes for attaching two different types of glasses. This will eventually, help in decreasing pollution, noise and moisture and maintaining the warmth inside the house.

 

            The main advantage behind getting these Virginia Window Replacement panes is that they do not need welding or any other rigorous mechanical process. They can be fixed inside the present window pane. It is light in weight and thus only needs bolting from within. It is recommended that you install these replacement windows from the inside of your house. This will prove to be comfortable and safe too. Moreover, if you are finding it difficult for you to arrange for the funds to get your house windows replaces, you can contact a Virginia replacement window contractor and he will arrange for a financer to your replacement. Most of the contractors will do this work for you to ensure that you have them financed before the actual start of installation process.

 

            Before going in for actual replacement process, you can get an online quotation for the approximate cost involved in your replacement work. These online services ask you for your existing window dimensions and accordingly calculate the cost for the desired number of replacements. You will also get a “Free Insider’s Guide to Replacement Windows” with these quotes in which you can find the answers to all your queries. If you are not in a mood to spend too much on the replacement of these window panes, you can go in for more economical options. The existing window structure can be corrected if it has gaps in it or in between the frame and the wall. Plastic strips can be used to fill up this gap. This act will not be performed by any reputed contractor and will have to be taken care of at a lower level.

Are you looking for Virginia replacement window contractor? The best Virginia Window Replacement Company is here!

Apr 10

While you are remodeling your basement make sure you got all the important stuff sorted out. One of which is the type of window to use. In the old days, windows in basements are made of metal or wooden frames. This has caused problems because they are prone to rust and rot. Therefore your windows get damaged sooner than expected. If you have this concern, then it’s time to get a replacement basement window.

If you want it quick, you can always opt hiring companies that specialize on replacement basement windows. But of course it’s also important to know a bit about basement windows before you buy. This article should guide you in what type you should use.

1. Vinyl. Windows are important parts of basements since windows are the major source of fresh air in such a closed, buried room. Choose a replacement basement window that is made of vinyl. It’s rust-free and will not rot from its damp environment. It is also modular so you won’t have any trouble installing it.

2. Let there be light. Since you are at it, your basement window must be energy efficient. This attributes to the amount of light that your window can allow to come in to your basement. Use the right frame size and glass thickness. Especially with daylight, the amount of heat could help balance your basement room temperature. Basements are prone to moisture because of its damp surroundings.

3. Functionality. Aside from those mentioned above, another use of your basement window for passing objects. Most often, it is difficult to have ladders, boards, or poles to pass through the basement entrance. Doors and stairs are narrow and the latter are steep too. A perfect replacement basement window must include other functions such as good ventilation and accessibility for long objects.

4. Aesthetic Appeal. Of course, this is a must. Basement windows contribute greatly to the interior motif and concept of your den. Beautiful basement windows must not only look good from the inside but from the outside as well. This can be planned out properly. There are so many innovative basement window types that are available in the market today. Some are designed with sliding panes. Others are double glass panels. Choose the one fit best to your basement’s interior design. But don’t forget to consider the above mentioned.

You can begin looking for a supplier once you have all these things figured out. Take your time in choosing the right replacement basement window for you. Look for the one that you think is most reasonable. That means beauty, functionality, durability must be present.

There are several great window designs out there to choose from. Some may cost more but have really good quality. If you do find the type that is beautiful but expensive, the considerations mentioned above should help you decide which ones to buy.

Learn how a basement remodeling picture can assist you with your replacement basement window.

Apr 9


It pays to continually invest in your New York home and reap the benefits of adding value to it and of course, increasing the quality of living for your loved ones. When thinking of a home improvement project, there are a good number of tasks that you could undertake and this includes getting rid of your old windows over replacement windows. Why? These home features are more than meets the eye, not only adding to the curb appeal but also keep everything inside as comfortable as possible. This article lays out the benefits of having replacement windows and more…

Like the eyes of a person, the windows reveal a good deal about the home and serves as one of its gateways to the world outside. The beauty about choosing to have replacement windows is that with the wide variety of styles, designs and color that it comes in, you are sure to find the perfect one to complement with the overall look of your New York home. Among the most popular are the garden, bay and casement windows.

Also known as frames and sashes, replacement windows also come manufactured with features for added safety and protection. Most products are commonly compatible with almost every security devices and other features that maximize operability like low-placed latches, and easy-to-twist hand cranks. The sash feature makes opening and closing much easier. Those made with impact resistant glass are especially made to withstand storms, hurricanes or other extremely harsh natural elements that could cause damage to your windows and home.

When your home’s heating and cooling leaks through your windows and doors, you are throwing money away by paying energy which has not been used. Replacement windows are energy-efficient alternatives to your old or dysfunctional ones. Many of its kinds, especially those with specialized glazing are good insulator, preventing heat from getting wasted. They also lower the chances of having problems with moisture and condensation.

Replacement windows are also made from different materials from wood, aluminum and vinyl. Depending on the look you want and your preferences, you can pick from any of these. In the selection process, you have to carefully weigh the pros and cons of each. Your choice would affect the overall cost, durability, level of insulation, and maintenance required to keep them always looking great. To take advantage of all the benefits, you can opt for clad windows which is made of wood in the interior and either vinyl or aluminum in the exterior.

Other than meticulously thinking things over before buying the right product, the proper installation of your replacement windows is also crucial. No matter which option you pick, the highest of quality would still work inefficiently if not installed accurately. So if you do not have ample experience and the right skills to undertake this home improvement project, then better leave it for experts to do. To avail of the services of the best local window contractor, do your research well and ask for multiple bids from likely candidates before making your pick.

Avail of quality services rendered by qualified windows contractors Long Island. Visit our Panther Siding and Windows website and avail of a free no-obligation consultation for whatever Long Island Contractors and Brooklyn, NY window installers needs.

Apr 9

If you are looking for a replacement window contractor in virginia then it is not going to be a tedious job. You should not wait any longer with those outdated wooden and vinyl windows in your home. There is a new material in the market making waves- the fibrex. Fibrex is a composite material of the blend of the wood and the PVC. Hence the durability of the product is better than any of the earlier two materials; also the appeal of the product is maintained. Hence you are not losing the house to the ugly inventions of the science. The replacement windows are provided by a lot of dealers and companies spread all over the state. Also there are companies that provide services across the states. Hence you have a big pool of Replacement windows in Virginia and even the replacement window contractor in virginia.

 

The contractors these days help you with not only with the procedure of buying the product; they help you with the start of the process of replacement and re there till the end of the procedure. And there are companies which also promises warranty of the product and the service from the industry. This makes the whole work of the customer easy and provides them with the luxury to remain care free. One example that this replacement window contractor in virginia help the consumers be carefree is that they provide with the products with an energy saver star. Environment is a great concern these days not only of the government and the ecologists but also the common man. And it is contribution of such common men which would lead to any improvement and effect. So the Replacement windows in Virginia are also taken to be the effective contributor to the cause. The contractors have started to provide with the service of energy star windows which help in saving the energy used for cooling the homes or heating them. The latest glass type that is provided by them is found to be reducing the energy bills by 25%. The savings did differ as per the geography and the topography of the place but the idea is that the step has been taken and in the correct direction. The glass that is responsible for all this is the Low-E4 glass which is way better than the ordinary dual pane glass, already talked about.

 

Also the new material composite that we were talking about in the beginning, the fibrex, also adds to the energy efficiency to the installation of Replacement windows in Virginia. The material is known to have unprecedented thermal insulating properties, that is, it helps in maintaining the coolness of the home in summers and the warmth in the winters. And the biggest contribution that it gives is the sustainability factor. The material is far more sustainable than any other material being used till date. The beauty is also never lost; hence you can just get the windows installed and forget about them.

 

Besides all this the replacement window contractor in virginia also offer professional installation which would take care of all the needs of your house with even your pin pointing them.

Are you looking for replacement window contractor in Virginia? The best Company for Replacement windows in Virginia is here!

Apr 9

It’s that time of year again – the weather is getting a bit cooler as the fall and winter seasons begin. The dropping temperatures will inevitably affect energy costs, and as you look at ways to keep your energy bill down by winterizing your home, remember to consider the roof.

Taking steps to keep your energy bill under control, such as finding drafts and sealing them, replacing old insulation, and checking your vinyl siding and windows for wear and tear are all futile efforts with an old, battered roof.

The Cost of Your Old Roof

Just as a hat keeps you warm in the winter, your roof functions in a similar way for your home – it holds the heat in. But if your roof is old and worn, if your home has no “hat,” your efforts to heat your home could literally be going through the roof. In addition, an old roof is often leaky, contributing to mold and bacteria overgrowth in your home. The end result can be chronic allergy problems and even respiratory infections for you and your family, because you are breathing in contaminated air.

A trained professional roofing contractor is best-equipped to identify problem areas on your roof and let you know whether minor repairs need to be done, or if there is enough damage, wear and tear to warrant a roof replacement instead.

The Value of a New Roof

Replacing your roof is an investment, helping to cut your energy costs and increase the value of your home. A 2005 annual report by Remodeling Online Magazine reported the average cost of replacing a roof can range anywhere from about $11,500 to $17,000, depending on where you live in the United States.

And your new roof can prove to be a lucrative investment if you ever decide to move. GAF Materials Corp., (a manufacturer of residential and commercial building supplies including roofing materials) reports that, according to a group of realtors surveyed, up to 40 percent of your home’s curb appeal is your roof. Though its impact is more subtle, the appearance of your roof can attract buyers to your home and increase the resale value of your home when you’re ready to sell.

Before You Shop

Often, a poor-quality roofing job does not show any signs of a problem for years. Getting a new roof is a major investment in your home, so be very careful when you begin to look for a contractor. In addition to making sure you see a portfolio of their previous work, ask for references and make sure you call them.

When looking for a roofing contractor, you want a qualified professional who will use the best materials and back up their work with a good warranty that doesn’t just cover the roofing materials, but also covers the labor to repair those roofing materials should you need repairs done.

If you have a roofing contractor in your local area that is a Certified Master Elite Roofer – only 2% of all roofers in the U.S. carry this distinction – you can rest assured that the work done on your home is excellent quality and is covered under a strong warranty.

Roofing Accessories to Consider

As you talk with contractors, keep in mind that the installation of a new roof involves more than just nailing in your shingles. A good roofing job will include at least a waterproof leak barrier, and ideally an additional layer of protection from the elements, sometimes called “roof deck protection.” Once this foundation is laid, then your shingles will be laid down.

Also discuss attic ventilation with your roofing contractor – without it, in the summer, your attic can get so hot that it actually bakes your shingles. And in the winter, the hot moist air heating your home can get trapped in your attic, soak and diminish the effectiveness of your insulation, and increase your energy bill.

Lastly, if you were ever thinking of getting skylights for your home, now is the best time to plan for them.

Many homeowners wait until their roof is leaking, there is major, visible damage or there is a complete catastrophe before replacing their roof. What these homeowners don’t realize is they are wasting money on their energy bills in the meantime. A new roof will increase the beauty of your home, cut your energy bills, and play a major role in your ability to sell your home at your asking price. Find out the condition of your roof before the winter weather sets in so that you can be aware of its condition and avoid the headaches that come when catastrophe pushes you into the emergency purchase of a new roof.

Michael Clem is Operations Manager of Creative Energy of Richmond, Virginia, a home improvement expert in Central Virginia. A Certified Master Elite Roofer, the company is a roofing contractor.

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