Wildlife, hiking, the great outdoors—nature is important to us, Midwesterners, but there are a few local pests and critters we want to keep away from our home’s exterior (think mice, carpenter ants, and termites, to name a few). Siding your home with James Hardie® siding and trim means that your home’s cladding will help protect against these buggers.
You may not think about it, but local creatures can wreak havoc on some types of home siding. With James Hardie products, your home’s siding is resistant to damage from termites and other pests. This fiber cement siding and trim provide little appeal to local vermin.
Wood-based siding is susceptible to termite and woodpecker damage. Thankfully, James Hardie siding offers superior resistance to damage from woodpeckers, squirrels, and other pests. As it turns out, fiber cement siding does not entice critters and won’t be eaten by termites. No matter what your design style, the wide range of James Hardie siding selections complement any home.
Because James Hardie siding resists damage from critters, it helps prevent secondary damage from moisture intrusion or other pests. If you’ve ever seen the damage a woodpecker or squirrel can cause on a wood home, you may rethink the wood or wood-composite siding options. Unlike fiber cement, wood and wood composite siding can be damaged by critters and allow moisture intrusion or other pests to invade, causing additional problems.
To help keep your home protected from insects and pests with claws, opt for James Hardie siding and trim—it just got easier to clue critters into their outdoor boundaries.
If your current windows are leaky, worn, or simply outdated, you may be wondering whether replacing them is a good idea. Of course they’ll look nice, but are replacement windows a smart investment? In most cases, the answer is “yes” – especially if your current windows are looking a bit worse for wear. While replacement windows come at a significant cost up front, they’ll pay you back in the long run. Here’s how.
Energy Savings
Did you know home windows are responsible for up to 30% of the heat loss in an average home? Glass is inherently a poor insulator. When windows are new and the glass is well sealed, you lose a lot less heat through your windows. But as they deteriorate and lose their seals, windows become far less efficient.
Replacement windows can help you save energy in a few different ways. Simply because they are new and well-sealed, these windows will transfer less heat than your old windows. A layer of trapped air between the two (or three) glass panes acts as an insulator, slowing heat transfer. New replacement windows are also made with more insulating sash and frame materials, such as vinyl or fiber composite. These materials stay better sealed to the glass throughout the lifespan of the window, so your windows remain efficient for years to come.
If you choose Low-E replacement windows, you’ll save even more on energy. Low-E windows are coated in a metallic material that reflects heat waves. In the summer, they reflect heat away from your home, lowering your air conditioning costs. In the winter, they reflect heat into your home, lowering your heating bills.
Increased Home Value
You’re not the only one who finds replacement windows attractive. Potential home buyers like them, too. In fact, some buyers specifically seek out homes that have had their windows replaced recently. As such, replacing your windows will increase your home value. Whether you choose to sell now or in a few years, you’ll earn more for your home if it has new windows. You may also get more offers, which gives you more bartering power in the sale.
Protection Against Leaks
Have you ever found drips of water inside your windows after a storm? Maybe you’ve noticed some mold along the sash, or perhaps you’ve even had a puddle of water on the floor inside your window. Leaky windows are a big deal because they lead to water damage. And water damage is expensive to repair.
New replacement windows won’t leak. This means you won’t have to worry about rotten floorboards or damaged drywall around your windows anymore. Replacing your windows can also help protect against mold growth. Mold which grows on and around old, leaky windows isn’t good for your health. Replace your windows, and you might find you and your family members have fewer allergy symptoms.
If you repair water damage around your windows but don’t replace the windows themselves, you’ll soon end up with the same issue. The best approach is to replace the leaky windows and the water-damaged materials. The sooner you do this, the less water damage you’ll have to contend with.
Less Hassle and Maintenance
You probably spend more time dealing with your old windows than you realize. Maybe you have to put on extra sweatshirts in the winter because the area around your windows is so chilly. Perhaps you decorate with extra drapes and window treatments to hide the chipping paint on the frames. Homeowners often spend hours putting plastic sheets over old, leaky windows in the fall. Wouldn’t it be nice not to have to do these things?
With new replacement windows, you can let go of a lot of these time-consuming habits. Your home will be less drafty in the winter, so you can dress comfortably. You’ll want to show off your new windows, so a simple shade or curtains is all you need in terms of window treatments. And with new, well-sealed windows, there’s no need to insulate with plastic sheeting or rope caulk.
Today’s replacement windows are incredibly low maintenance. There’s no need to scrape, paint, or reseal them. You can spend the time you save working, enjoying activities with your family, or maybe even tackling other home renovation projects to increase your home value.
So, are replacement windows a smart investment? If you want to increase your home value, save money on energy, and prevent water damage, it’s time to give replacement windows another look. Contact Midwest Roofing Siding & Windows in the Twin Cities to learn more about our window replacement options. Our experienced installers will help you choose the perfect brand and style of windows. We work with several reputable brands, all of which provide many years of energy savings and leak resistance.
One of the most common questions among homeowners seeking window replacement services is, “Are windows replaced from inside or outside the house?” They ask this to get an idea of how to prepare for the window installation project, especially if the contractors plan to work from inside the house. Here is a brief answer to this question and tips to prepare for the window replacement project.
The Replacement Approach Depends on the Window Design
Whether the contractors will replace your windows from inside or outside the house depends on the window’s design. Design, in this case, refers to the width of the inner and outer walls.
Windows that have wider outer walls and narrower inner walls are usually replaced from the outside. The opposite is true – windows with wider inner walls and narrower outer walls (commonly known as offset windows) are replaced from the inside. It is prudent to consult a professional contractor for a definite answer.
In most cases, contractors usually need to work from inside the house, regardless of the replacement approach. It can get messy, so it is important to prepare well ahead of time – however, exterior replacement is less messy than a few interior touchups. For example, they may need to fasten the windows from the inside, which would involve some drilling and other potentially messy activities.
Ultimately, the contractor needs to do everything necessary to ensure that they install the new window properly. It is advisable to give them the space they need and help them work faster by preparing your home in advance.
Preparing for a Window Replacement Project
The first thing that comes to mind is your most valuable items, such as furniture, paintings, and décor. It is advisable to move these out of the contractors’ way before the project starts.
You can also try covering the wall décor and any valuable flooring components, including hardwood boards and delicate rugs. Accidents may still happen regardless of how well you prepare, so it is advisable to find a careful contractor – it would also help if the contractor was insured.
Find a Professional
Window replacement can be messy, especially if the windows need to be installed from the interior. However, this shouldn’t be a concern when working with a professional contractor in the Twin Cities. Our Midwest Roofing, Siding & Windows contractors can help put your mind at ease. Get in touch today to learn more about how we can help.
Most homeowners do not have basement window repair or replacement high on their to-do lists. If opening and closing your windows is becoming difficult, you should take a closer look before significant repairs are necessary. This is incredibly important if you are finishing your basement into extra living space. The time to resolve this problem is before work begins in the basement. The question is whether to replace or repair the windows. Here are several window facts to help you get started:
Leaks
Older homes usually have wood or steel basement windows. These are prone to wood rot or rusting steel. If the window frame is compromised, it could lead to water leakage if a poor drainage situation exists. If you have an unfinished basement, you may not have noticed minor leaks.
These problems are magnified for a basement finished into a living space. You may not pass an inspection if the windows are not up to code. Leaks should be repaired as soon s possible, whether your basement is original or finished. Your utility bills may be impacted negatively by the leakage. In addition, moisture entering through your basement windows can cause interior damage to your home. Have a professional contractor inspect your windows and recommend either repairing or replacing the faulty windows.
Pest Infestation
A dark and moist basement is just what a variety of insects are looking to call home. Spiders, cockroaches, termites, and others can enter through openings around your windows. Preventing moisture from building up is the best way to stop this from happening. Sealing leaky windows or installing replacements will keep humid air from entering your basement.
Safety
Most municipal building codes now require an egress window or door to be added to a basement that is finished into a living space. This is put in place to provide a means of escape in case of a fire or other emergency. These regulations include the size and placement of the window. Discuss the local code with your contractor before starting a basement project.
Energy Efficiency
Replacing old basement windows with modern insulated windows can have a significant impact on your monthly energy costs. Lately, fluctuating fuel costs make it necessary to save money wherever you can to keep utility expenses as low as possible. Whether your basement is finished or not, new replacement windows can make a significant dent in those costs. Be sure to look for the Energy Star rating to ensure you are getting energy-efficient windows.
Aesthetic Appeal
Most homeowners regularly replace their home’s siding and roof when needed and show damage. This is a necessary project which improves the curb appeal of your home and improves your chances of getting a reasonable price if you are thinking about selling sometime in the future. However, the basement windows are frequently overlooked.
A potential buyer sees a home that looks great with new siding and a recently replaced roof and then spots old damaged basement windows. This could be a deal breaker when selling your home. Whether you are considering selling or not, new energy-efficient basement windows are a significant improvement to your home.
Window Styles
If you have been considering replacing the basement windows but haven’t because of the limited styles available, you will want to explore the varieties being offered today. These are just a few of the many types:
Double-Hung
Egress
Hopper
Sliding
It can be troublesome to get air circulating in the basement. Double-Hung windows are the most efficient at letting in a summer breeze. A professional contractor can help you pick the style that will work best with your home for improved energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
Mildew and Mold
Old leaky basement windows are a source of moisture entering your home that can cause mold or mildew. Health issues can result in family members suffering from allergies or asthma. Mold can grow behind sheetrock walls or under carpeting. Replacing your old windows before starting a basement renovation can eliminate this condition before it turns into a costly repair or, worse, a health risk. The best solution is to stay on top of any repairs relating to moisture entering your basement.
Noise Reduction
This may not be your primary reason for replacing your basement windows, but it’s worth considering when you purchase windows. Multiple-Pane glass is the best choice for reducing street noise. Please contact Midwest Roofing, Siding, and Windows to discuss replacing basement windows, roofing, or siding. We have been proudly serving customers in the Twin Cities region of Minnesota and the surrounding area for almost 50 years. Our installers have been factory-trained, which allows us to offer the best warranties. Our certified staff will be happy to answer any questions about replacing your basement windows or any of our services. Don’t live with those old leaky windows!
Replacing old windows helps protect your home from leaks while also improving energy efficiency. When you have new windows put in, should you also have new siding installed at the same time? Knowing more about replacing windows and siding efficiently can help you make this decision.
