Our wonderful sun is a nuclear furnace. From 93 million miles away, we are mostly safe from nuclear radiation. Yet we benefit from solar radiation that includes visible light, ultraviolet light, infrared, radio waves, X-rays, and gamma rays. Unfortunately, our homes’ vinyl siding does not benefit from ultraviolet light. That is part of the answer to the question, “Why does vinyl siding fade?”
UV Light
Ultraviolet light is invisible but powerful. It attacks chemicals in anything exposed to it, making those chemicals break down. If your Twin Cities home has a lot of sun exposure, you can expect some fading of the color in vinyl siding.
If your home has exterior walls in partial shade and partial sunlight, that fading can be uneven. If you have widely overhanging eaves, the upper parts of your siding may retain their true color while the lower parts fade.
Oxidation
What you see as fading on your vinyl siding could be oxidation, or a breakdown of the surface due to exposure to oxygen in the air. Oxidation can leave a white, powdery substance on the vinyl surface.
Solving Fading of Vinyl Siding
To prevent, stall, or reverse fading of your home’s vinyl siding, you need a multi-prong approach:
If you are having your siding replaced and know your home is exposed to a lot of sunlight, consider choosing a light vinyl siding color; lighter colors hide fading better than intense or dark colors
Clean your siding frequently; never use a pressure washer (it can drive water behind the vinyl panels and cause mold, mildew, and rot) but do use a soft brush, regular dish detergent diluted in water, or even a vinegar wash (the mild acid in vinegar breaks down the oxidation); rinse with a gentle wash from your garden hose
Plant shade trees close enough to your home to give shade, but not so close as to overhang your roof; trees also help lower energy bills
Having your vinyl siding professionally painted is one economical answer to sun fading
How Soon?
All vinyl siding fades, but you will probably not detect much difference for the first 10 to 15 years. Manufacturers’ warranties seldom cover natural fading from sunlight. Talk to your local siding contractor about solutions such as vinyl siding replacement.
Siding is in our name and in our hearts at Midwest Roofing Siding & Windows. Contact us today to learn all that we can do to help your Twin Cities home look its best.
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.
Owning a home keeps you busy, that’s for sure. You sit comfortably in your favorite chair and then you hear plink, plink, plink. Rain is falling. And then your mind races: the roof is in good shape, the siding is sound, but what about the gutters? What causes gutters to leak?
