Get Your Mind in The Gutter

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Last winter will be remembered for some serious snow storms and, from the looks of it, this summer will see its share of heavy precipitation as well.  Over time, all that snow, ice, and water takes its toll on your home, especially on the gutters.

Although it may not look like it from the ground, your gutters are actually a critical part of the system that drains water off your roof and away from your home. If you have gaps, cracks, or clogs in your gutters and water can’t flow into your downspouts, then it’s going to overflow your gutters, leading to water running down the side of your home—kind of a big deal if you’re trying to keep water OUT of your home! Often times there is a direct correlation between a wet—or damp—basement and a problem with gutters draining properly.

The good news is, you don’t necessarily have to spend a lot of money to bring your gutters up to spec. here are four things you can do personally to keep your gutters flowing properly and water away from your house:

1. Clean your gutters regularly, at least twice a year. If you live on a property with a lot of trees, you may have to clean the gutters more often. For the adventurous types who don’t mind the ladder work, most of the time you can get the job done in a half a day or less (depending on the size of your house, of course). All you really need is a ladder, a pair of gloves, a garden trowel or putty knife, and a little bit of patience for dirty work.  If you can do it safely, use a hose to spray the gutters and the downspouts out. If you’re not comfortable climbing ladders or think it’s a better fit for professionals, don’t worry; you’re not alone!

2. Inspect your gutters regularly, at least twice a year. If you go the DIY route and clean the gutters yourself, make sure you spend some inspecting while you clean.

  • Are all the gutters tight to the house with no gaps?
  • Are all the seams tight?
  • Are the end caps in place?
  • As there any sag along the run of the gutters?
  • Do the downspouts carry water away from the house and foundation?

If you notice any deficiencies, it might be time to bring in the experts for a little tune-up.

3. Install gutter guards. The best way to keep your gutters clean is to make sure you keep as much dirt out as possible. While no system is fool proof, there are a bunch of good products out there that you can easily install yourself.

4. Trim trees further back from your house. Leaves cause more than raking headaches every fall; they also stay behind in your gutter year-long and become a slimy black mess that will definitely block up your downspouts. The weight of wet leaves paired with snow can also cause your gutters to pull away from the house or even collapse—which causes even more, and more expensive problems—so making sure leaves don’t collect in the gutters is pretty important. Keeping trees trimmed back a couple of feet from the roof line of your home will definitely help keep the gutters clean.

Discovering Windows

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You now know from our last posting that replacement windows can save you 20% or more on your energy bills. But wait, there are even more benefits.  New windows can also improve your home’s appearance, comfort and re-sale value. In fact, window replacement has proven to add more value than many major home improvement projects and typically comes with an ROI of 70% or more. So don’t make the mistake of overlooking your windows when it comes to adding to that all-important curb appeal of your home.

Your Home is Your Sanctuary!

Here are three ways to ensure a comfortable home has privacy and safety using window glass.

  1. Obscure (“Frosted”) window glass is perfect for your bathroom. It lets in plenty of light to boost your mood, yet provides the privacy you need to feel safe. Obscure door glass for entryways into your home does the same, but also comes in various texture patterns and colors to add style and grace. It can be translucent, permitting light to pass through but diffusing i t for privacy. Or it can be semi-opaque, allowing very little light to pass through for even more privacy.
  2. Tempered glass is the epitome of safety for the sliding door onto your deck and for side lights, the windows next to your doors and doorways. It is extremely strong, and if it is broken, it breaks into small pebble-like pieces with no sharp edges.
  3. Laminated glass, two or more panes bonded together with plastic or resin, is great for reducing exterior noise. Most noise comes into homes and buildings through the windows. While exterior noise can never be totally eliminated from any interior environment, the bonding material between laminated panes has a superior noise dampening effect for a quieter experience. And, laminated glass can prevent intrusion (even bullets and bomb blasts) if necessary, and still beautify your home.

Let the sun shine in?

Yes, there are places you do want lots of sunlight to enter your home.  Skylights are a good way to do this. They brighten up your home and can make a big difference in the way your rooms look and feel. They come in venting and non-venting models, but before you buy the venting type, give some thought to how you’re going to reach them and where you’re going to keep the long-handled rod needed to operate them. You can save some money if you buy the fixed unit model. And just like window glass, they are available with laminated panes, tempered glass and tinted coatings to control UV and heat penetration. Even though they do come with tinted glass, you might want to consider buying the less expensive clear glass to let in the most light and then use shades or screens for heat and light control.

Don’t want a big hole in your roof? Missing rafters? And worse yet, what do you do if you have a truss-supported roof?

Solution = Tubular Skylights.

Tubular skylights capture natural light with low-profile roof lenses outside and “tunnel” it just about anywhere inside your home. They are less expensive and don’t present the installation challenges of the much larger skylights. Skylight tubes let you switch off your lights during daylight hours and save electricity while reducing the carbon footprint of your home as well. Besides, you and your family will reap the benefits that natural sunlight brings to your health and well-being.

Interested in learning more?

Our professionals at AROCON Roofing and Construction can help you create an individualized solution for your home.

Preparing Your Gutters For Fall

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The fall season had finally arrived in Maryland and with temperatures dropping and more importantly leaves falling, it’s important to know if your gutters are ready to stand up to the harsh conditions ahead.

Searching the internet you will quickly learn just how important gutters are for transferring water away from your siding, windows, doors and especially foundation to keep your home safe from interior damage and costly repairs. Those repairs can even include things like mold remediation, termite damage and failed structural support… Who needs that! It’s important to note that poorly protected gutters can also be a breeding ground for insects, rodents and other wildlife. But never fear, the our team of experts at AROCON Roofing and Construction are here to help guide you through keeping your gutters protected and in great condition year round.

So how do I protect my gutters?

1. Start with Cleaning:

How often should you clean your gutters of leaves and debris? Well that depends on how many trees you have nearby, and it’s not just those beautiful, fall-colored deciduous trees you have to be concerned about. Evergreens grow a new set of needles each year, too. Although they generally keep them for 2-5 years, they also drop a set into your gutters each fall, as well. Twigs, acorns and shingle granules can also collect in your gutters and interfere with proper drainage. In dry conditions all this debris and even be a fire hazard.  While autumn is a good time to clean your gutter system, it should be checked periodically throughout the year as well, to ensure it’s working properly to protect your home.

2. Cover Up Those Gutters:

Never want to clean your gutters again?  Then you might want to consider having gutter guards installed to keep debris out and water in. We recommend RHINO Gutter Guards®, they’re the industry’s best at protecting your gutters and multiple layers of protection to keep water flowing safely away from your home year-round. RHINO’s patented surgical stainless steel micro-mesh keeps out even the smallest particles while never missing a drop of water — tested at 60 gallons per minute! (Call the Coast Guard if you have more!) When choosing gutter guards, you want to beware of mesh gutter guards that glue, caulk, or crimp the mesh into the guard body because they can’t be removed and will cause you to replace them if anything may become trapped. When exposed to sun, and freezing/thawing weather conditions, these methods also pull away and fail over time. The RHINO Gutter Guard uses a patented “hemming” process to permanently bond the mesh to the aluminum body.

3. Strengthening Your Gutters:

Heavy wind, ice and snow take their toll on your gutters each year, causing them to pull away from your home. Did you know, some gutter covers, like the RHINO Gutter Guard®, can actually strengthen your gutters? This happens by first screwing the front of the product to the lip of the gutter with color-matching screws and then screwing the back leg to your fascia board. The torque of the second screw squeezes the gutter tight into a box-like reinforcement that will help your system last longer and drastically reduce maintenance.

Something to note is that many older gutter systems are held up by large aluminum nails with aluminum sleeves that are called “spike-and-ferrell” hangers.  These tend to loosen with time and the nail begins to pull out.  A better gutter fastening system is the “hidden hanger” because it is much more structurally sound and uses an oversized screw to hold the gutter in place.  They also make the gutters look cleaner because they are completely inclosed within the gutter!

The Homeowner’s Survival Guide to Fall

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Now, if only they would flee into my neighbor’s yard instead of mine! Sigh. Fall is upon us and those beautiful autumn colors are starting to fill up the yard. It’s time to get out the rake. But before you do, did you know that, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 76,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms, doctors’ offices, clinics and other medical settings for injuries related to non-powered garden tools, including rakes each year?

In addition, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), for both those unaccustomed to physical activity and regular exercisers alike, the dynamics of raking can lead to strain and injury to the back, shoulders, and wrists.

Wow! Bet you didn’t think raking leaves could be so risky did you?

Okay, so what do you do?  Before you take the Back Pain Quiz  here are our Top 10 Raking Tips that can help keep you out of the emergency room…or at least the chiropractor’s office.

#1. Do some form of stretching exercise  for ten minutes to warm up your muscles prior to raking.

#2. Wear shoes with skid-resistant soles to minimize the risk of slipping. Sturdy shoes can also reduce the risk of injuries to your feet

#3. Choose a properly-sized rake for your height and strength. A thicker handles makes for less hand fatigue. Grip your rake firmly with a comfortable amount of space between your hands.

#4. Always remember to wear gloves to help prevent blisters on the hands. Makes sense.

#5. Avoid twisting your body while raking. Stay balanced on both feet and use your legs to shift your weight rather than twisting your back.

#6.,Bend at the knees, rather than the waist, to pick up a tarp or a rake full of leaves. I know. I know. They may not weigh much, but it does help ease the strain.

#7. Try to vary your movements as much as you can to avoid overuse of muscle groups. Pull the rake from the left a few strokes, then switch hands and pull from the right. But always pull toward you with more leaves at your back.

#8. Don’t overdo. Raking is an aerobic activity. Take frequent breaks or slow your pace if you are an infrequent exerciser. Which is better, a few leaves for tomorrow or a sore back tonight?

#9. As with any form of exercise, be sure to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Keep that water bottle handy!

#10. And lastly, when you’re done, gentle muscle stretching can help relieve tension in any overworked muscles. Then a soak in a nice hot bath will relax those tight muscles. Ahhh…

So raking leaves isn’t as simple as you thought it was? Well, now you’re better prepared to head into the new season and stay healthy for the upcoming holidays, too!

Unfortunately, as you know all leaves make it to ground. So remember that a great gutter guard can go a long way when it comes to protecting your home.

Replacement Window Pitfalls

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As winter approaches and temperatures fall, you may be thinking of vinyl replacement windows for your Maryland home to keep those drafts and energy bills at bay.  It’s a great idea, but unfortunately there are several ways to make the wrong move when replacing your windows.  What you don’t want is to spend all that money and then have to do it again in a few years or less because you chose the wrong product or the wrong installer. Here are a few tips to avoid replacement window pitfalls.

The price isn’t the price.  You may be tempted by advertisements offering replacement windows for $189 or some other very low number.  This is a longtime sales tactic in the home improvement industry, unfortunately, and the goal is very simple: to get a salesperson into your home.  Once that happens, you’ll discover that at least one part of a proper installation, like removing the old windows, hauling them away, or capping the wood trim with aluminum, is not included in that price.  And then that salesperson will do everything possible to steer you to a higher-quality (and higher-cost) window, often using a sales pitch that takes hours.  As much as we’d all like to save money, there’s no way to get a high-quality window and a high-quality installation for less than $200 … you’ll be replacing those windows again within a few years, and that’s not saving you money.

The price still isn’t the price:  Other companies will begin with an amazingly high price.  Over the course of another very long sales pitch, the price will drop – sometimes by half or more – as the salesperson calls his or manager and deploys several other tactics.  Think about it: how would you feel if you had bought the replacement windows before the price for the very same thing was reduced by half?  Steer clear of companies using these tactics.  There are some legitimate reasons to offer a discount, like the time that’s saved by a salesperson not having to come back for a second visit, but no one should need to call a manager.  Tell the salesperson when they arrive that they’ll have one chance to give you a cost for the project.

Windows aren’t all the same: It’s not only the prices that vary widely; different replacement windows will have different features and varying levels of quality.  Even under the same brand name, most manufacturers will offer several levels of features.  We’ve already said that you don’t want the cheapest windows, and you may not need the most expensive ones either.  The answer will depend on things like how much sun or wind your home experiences and how you use certain rooms, and how often. An experienced sales consultant should guide you to the right choice, not just the most expensive one.

Installation matters: The very best window isn’t much good if it’s not measured and installed properly.  Resist the temptation to do this work yourself, or to hire a handyman or other contractor who doesn’t regularly deal with windows.  Beginning in 2015, Energy Star requirements will dictate that window manufacturers provide specific installation instructions for their products.  Your contractor should follow those instructions to make sure your windows perform as they’re designed.

There are lots of reasons to consider vinyl replacement windows: lower energy costs, ease of operation, being able to clean the outside glass from the inside and the fact that they’ll never need painting.  By asking a few questions and avoiding these window replacement pitfalls, you’ll be more comfortable in your home and will enjoy years of trouble-free service from your new windows.

That Dam Ice!

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What is an ice dam?

Icicles may look pretty, but when you see them growing from the overhang of your roof, you’ve got yourself an ice dam. Ideally winter rain and melting snow drain through the gutters and away from the house. But when that water freezes it forms an ice dam, accumulating and causing a back-up that can damage both the outside and the inside of your home. With each subsequent snowfall your roof will become weakened and warped. Then, when the snow melts from the heated air inside, it will have nowhere to go but inside, leading to damages that often require expensive fixes.

How do I prevent an ice dam from forming on my roof?

You can certainly climb up a ladder to the roof and “rake” off the snow yourself, or dig drainage channels through the snow before the ice dam has a chance to form. However, both of these are very temporary fixes; you’ll need to repeat the process every time snow or ice fall from the sky.
Winterizing your home before wintertime can help you to avoid big repairs down the road.
Whether or not you use your attic for storage or other purposes, damage to your attic can lead to damage elsewhere in the house. Installing a manual heat source in your attic is a short-term fix that is extremely dangerous. Instead, make sure that your attic is adequately insulated.An ice dam can close off vents and prevent kitchen, bathroom, chimney and other heating exhaust from escaping the home. A roofing contractor can move or extend those vents to keep them clear.

How do I get rid of an ice dam that’s formed on my roof?

You can hire a professional to steam the ice away, and then have this done every time the blockage occurs. Since that can be several times each winter the cost will add up quickly.
A long-term solution is snow guards, which are basically spikes that protrude from the roof to break up snow or ice before it has a chance to settle in and cause damage.
A similar solution is to install a snow retention system, where aluminum ridges are applied to the roof to create more permanent drainage channels. They can be customized to match the exact color of your roof.

How can a Roofing Professional help me protect my home from bad winter weather?

They will provide you with a permanent solution at a reasonable cost. Taking preventative measures right now, such as installing better insulation, sealing potential leakage sources and redirection of ventilation systems, eliminates worry when the weather gets bad. They will ensure that skylights are sealed properly. And even if your roof is shaped in an odd or complicated way, you can rest assured that they will take effective measures to protect your home from the elements.
It’s very important to fix leaks immediately to prevent mold and mildew, which can cause you and your family respiratory problems. By contacting AROCON you are guaranteeing your family that leaks and moisture will be eliminated from your home.

AROCON specializes in roof repair, as well as drywall repair, removal of damaged insulation and installation of brand new insulation, sealing active leakage sources, and redirecting ventilation systems to prevent these problems from recurring later in the winter, the next year and beyond. With AROCON’s experienced roofers and construction workers, thorough project review, and warranty options, you can feel secure that your home will withstand Old Man Winter for years to come.

AROCON is a full-service roofing and construction company specializing in roof repair, roof replacement and other construction projects for residential and corporate buildings. AROCON is a Baltimore roofing company serving all of central Maryland and southern Pennsylvania.

A New Way to Think About The Wind

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As we see too often on the news, wind damage can devastate a home. But what exactly causes the damage we see? High wind speeds? Yes. High wind pressure? Also, yes. But the number one source of wind damage to a home is flying debris. Now that you know this you’re one step closer to owning a home that can withstand a windstorm.  

What kinds of damage can a windstorm do to my roof?

Many people confuse wind speed and wind pressure. High pressure winds stay lower to the ground and around the corners and edges of the roof, which causes roof layers (decking panels, felt, flashing, shingles, etc.) to peel. To keep those high pressure winds outside, a professional roofer  will inspect the edging, which seals gaps between the roof and exterior walls. Replace damaged edging right away to prevent further damage and keep wind, rain and extreme temperatures outside where they belong.

How do I save money on weatherproofing my house?

A home should be built to resist wind coming from all directions. A well-built home has a strong envelope, which is basically the skeleton of the home: the foundation, outer walls and roof. Wind can blow a hole in the envelope (like in the siding) or break doors or windows, and even the slightest damage will weaken the structure of your home. Your house should have doors and windows that are strong and stable enough to keep the scary weather outside.

Hurricane Alley versus Tornado Alley

The good thing about living in a hurricane-prone area (as compared to a tornado-prone area, for example) is that you have enough warning to prepare. You know to secure furniture and other outdoor possessions so that they can’t be picked up by the wind.  But other flying debris like tree branches and shingles from neighboring homes can clog gutters, downspouts and destroy your home’s building envelope. It’s important to ensure the roof is sealed down tight, but that alone doesn’t guarantee that your post-hurricane roof will be damage-free. It will, however, greatly increase the chances that you will still have a roof once the storm has subsided. Additionally, if you can figure out exactly what debris damaged your roof, then you are better educated to discuss effective solutions with a professional roofing contractor.

How can I protect my roof from water damage during a windstorm?

It’s common to notice gaps or holes only after a leak starts. A qualified roofing consultants will inspect your roof and locate and seal these gaps before they become serious problems. They will do the same for wall features like vents, pipes and windows. It’s important that all materials are installed properly, so it’s important that you hire a trusted professional to get the job done quickly and correctly. Proper flashing installation seals your home from rain. Leak sources tend to be where two parts of the roof come together, like a ridge or valley, or where the roof meets a wall, chimney or vent. Rain propelled by high winds will find its way into any small gap or hole in your home. Take care of these repairs before the real damage is done: All it takes is having a professional remodeler find and seal the gaps, and verify that your home is built to withstand violent weather. Plus, the inspection will ensure that your house is up to code, which eliminates the worry of paying fines.

What if I don’t want to spend money fixing a leak that may not even exist?

Let’s say you’ve decided not to spend the money on precautionary measures, and you’re going to just sit tight and hope the approaching storm avoids your home. Then, let’s say the actual storm blows straight through your neighborhood. Hopefully your home was designed and constructed extremely well, but if not, chances are the damage was done higher up (as in, to the roof).
Keep in mind that the source of a leak may not be where you see it, and this is why water damage repairs should be made by a professional: Since a water stain doesn’t always tell you where the source of the leak is, a professional will remove the damaged interior wall to locate the source, seal the leak and replace the drywall. Whatever your home is made of (wood, plaster, masonry, concrete), you’ll need to get wind or rain damage fixed right away, because the longer you wait, the weaker the structure of your home will be, and the higher the repair costs will become.

Not sure if your home’s building envelope fits the bill?

Hire a professional contractor  to investigate! If you ignore minor issues they’re likely to become bigger problems, so better to take care of small problems as you see them, before the repairs get too expensive.

The Official Door & Window Guide

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Doors and windows carry a heavy workload. Not only do they play a significant role in the aesthetics of your home inside and out, they also shoulder the responsibilities of keeping people out, keeping your family safe, keeping your heating and air conditioning in, and keeping the weather out. With that much responsibility, we believe doors and windows deserve your respect, and maybe some love, when is comes to upgrading. Whether you’re looking at updating your interior doors, replacing your exterior doors, installing or repairing a garage door or even adding new windows and skylights, these projects can be sound investments if done correctly. They key is planning. Below, we have compiled information for you to consider to help make the planning process easier.

Exterior Doors

Exterior doors must be durable enough to withstand wind, rain, sun, and potential intruders, yet also attractive to enhance the overall look of your home. Most doors combine several materials. For example, many fiberglass and steel doors have wood frames, but it’s the surface material that most affects appearance, durability, security and price. Wood doors are the most common, but we also provide other great alternatives like steel, fiberglass composite, and aluminum. Steel doors are best in security and durability, fiberglass composite doors are maintenance-free and are great in humid climates, and aluminum doors are entirely custom built. Choosing the right exterior doors for you will pay off in smoother operation, less maintenance, energy savings, and the safety of your family.

Interior Doors

Installing new interior doors is a sure-fire way to brighten your home. If the existing door jambs are ruined, out of alignment or are just plain unattractive, you may want to consider installing a pre-hung door unit which comes attached to its jambs with the hinges already in place. These are a slightly more expensive option, but usually includes all necessary components which means a quick and easy installation and less time in your home. If your door jambs are in good shape and the door itself is all that needs to be replaced, you can choose to purchase a door blank or slab to replace the one you’re removing. This is just the door itself with no associated extras and is a less expensive option. The type of door, whether hollow-core or solid-core, is another aspect you may choose, each with its own benefits. Hollow-core doors are the least expensive and solid-core doors are great for sound-proofing and fire retardation.

Windows and Skylights

Conventional windows come in many varieties. The most important factor is weather resistance. More than 20 percent of the heating and cooling losses in the average home can be blamed on windows. Look for windows with the Energy Star label, indicating that they are energy efficient. Windows are rated by U-Factor. U- Factor measures the rate of heat transfer between the indoors and the outdoors and tells you how well the window insulates. The lower the U-factor, the more insulating it will be, but is often more expensive. Paying more for energy-efficient windows will make you more comfortable in your home year-round and should save you money on your utility bills, which could be significant over time. For added reassurance, new windows generally come with warranties.

Skylights add architectural interest, inside and out, and allow natural light to come in through the ceiling. A skylight can be installed just for looks or as part of a passive-solar heating strategy. Do some research and you’ll find a wide variety of designs, materials and other added components. However, if installed incorrectly or with poor materials, skylights can leak around the edges and the glass can crack. For that reason, if you’re going to have a skylight installed, choose a quality skylight installed by a trained, experienced, and quality company like us.

Our trained professionals will explain every option and brand to you in detail and walk you through the entire process.

 

Make Your Roof Last

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Whether your roof is brand-new or years old, here are some tips to keep it in the best possible shape for the longest possible time.

A new roof is an expensive proposition — $18,800 on average for composition shingles (according to Remodeling magazine’s Cost Vs. Value Report) and as much as $36,000 for high-end materials. Once you’ve made that kind of investment, you’ll want to protect it. And even if your roof is years old, keeping it in good shape will prolong its life and prevent you from having to replace it prematurely.

Here’s what we suggest you do to get the most out of your roof.

Clean the Gutters

Ruined paint on siding and a wet basement are often problems caused by clogged gutters, but it might surprise you to learn that the overflow can also go upward. When leaves pile too deeply in gutters, those leaves can act like a candle wick carrying water into the roof sheathing. This can rot the sheathing and even rot roof rafters.

Fixing that kind of damage could run into the thousands of dollars, but you can avoid it by cleaning your gutters each fall and spring. Do it yourself in a few hours if you’re comfortable working on a ladder, or hire an experienced professional from Arocon to take care of it for you.

Remove Leaves

If you have a simple peaked roof surrounded by low landscaping, your roof probably stays clear of leaves on its own. If your roof is more complicated or if towering trees are nearby, piles of leaves probably collect in roof valleys or near chimneys. If you don’t remove them, they will trap moisture and gradually decompose, allowing moisture to accumulate in your roof — or worse, create fertile ground for mold and weeds to grow.

If you have a low-slope roof and a one-story house, you may be able to pull the leaves down with a soft car-washing brush on a telescoping pole. You can also use a specialty tool like a roof leaf rake, which costs about $20. A leaf blower gets the job done too, especially on dry leaves, but you or a professional needs to go up on the roof to use it.

If leaves are too wet or too deep, you might need to wash them off with a garden hose. Don’t use a pressure washer, as this can force water up under the shingles.

Trim Overhanging Branches

A little prevention in the form of tree-trimming goes a long way toward keeping leaves and debris off of your roof and keeping your roof damage-free. Abrasion from limbs and leaves that touch your roof can eventually damage shingles, especially in high winds.

Overhanging branches also give squirrels and other rodents access to your roof. They can build homes in accumulated leaves and can gnaw on your roof and siding. Branches need to be 10 feet away from your roof to keep these pests at bay. If that’s not possible, wrap the tree trunk with a sheet-metal bank to prevent them from climbing the tree.

Trimming large branches that hang over the roof is a job for a professional, though, or you might cause more damage than you prevent.

Prevent Ice Dams

If you’re plagued by ice buildup on the roof, removing some or all of the snow between storms might stall leaks into your house. Don’t try to pry off ice that’s already formed, as this could damage the roof. Use a roof rake to dislodge snow within three or four feet of the gutters. Get a telescoping pole and work from the ground, if possible. If you must be on a ladder, work at an angle so the falling snow doesn’t push you over.

Inadequate insulation causes air to leak into your attic, increasing the risk of ice dams. A qualified professional from Arocon can help you find the right insulation solution for you and your home.

Look and Listen

After every big rain, wind, or hail storm, give your roof a quick check to make sure everything is still intact. Specifically, look for curling, loose, or missing shingles and damaged flashing around vents, chimneys, skylights, and other openings.

If you can, get into your attic during the daytime and look for sunlight coming through the roof boards. Look and listen for signs of water. Keep those ear perked for the sound of water dripping or wind whistling.

If anything seems amiss, call Arocon to inspect your roof ASAP. Most problems are fairly easy to fix, but if you put them off and water gets in, the damage and costs will escalate.

TIP: You don’t have to climb a ladder to inspect your roof. You can use binoculars!

The Truth About Replacement Windows

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With all of the ads out there, it’s hard to tell what is true and what is somebody selling something. So what is the truth about thermal replacement windows? Here are some straight answers from Arocon to the most commonly asked questions about windows:

Q. What’s the difference between the windows I have now and thermal replacement windows?

A. You may already have thermal replacement windows. The easiest way to check is to see if there is more than one sheet of glass between you and the outdoors. Thermal windows are always double- or triple-paned. Traditional windows are single-paned. Thermal replacement windows allow far less heat to escape your home in the winter and less heat to get in during the summer, lowering your fuel bills considerably. Most thermal windows also eliminate the need for painting.

Q. Do thermal windows really save enough energy to pay for themselves?

A. Windows and doors are typically responsible for about 40 percent of your home’s heating bill. Thermal windows are typically two to four times more efficient than older single pane windows. That means you can expect your winter heating bills to drop on average about 20 percent to 30 percent. The bigger your fuel bills and the draftier your old windows, the quicker your new windows will pay for themselves.

Q. Are the telemarketing firms that call me scam artists?

A. Both legitimate firms and shady firms use telemarketing as a way to get business, so it’s hard to generalize. Although telemarketing is annoying, it does not mean the company is crooked.

Most telemarketers set up appointments for free estimates. Expect to be put under considerable pressure to buy during the free estimate. Never buy windows without getting more than one estimate. Whenever hiring any home service firm, use a contractor referral service or thoroughly interview references and check records with area consumer agencies.

Q. I’ve seen some pretty good deals on windows at a local home center store. Is that a good way to get windows?

A. Sometimes you can get a good price at a home center, but there are several pitfalls to watch for. First of all, the best prices are typically for “bargain” windows that may not be built well and may not last long. Second, it is difficult to get a pro to install windows you buy from a home center.

Most pros realize that if something goes wrong and it is due to a shortcoming in the window, they will likely shoulder the blame. That means either you or a handyman will have to do the installation. If thermal windows are not installed exactly plumb and square, with all the appropriate insulation, you may get little or no energy savings.

Q. What is “low-E glass”?

A. Low-E glass has a special coating that blocks certain kinds of light that we can’t see. The result is that it looks like normal glass but insulates better.

Q. What is argon gas?

A. Argon is one of the most popular gasses used to fill the space between the two (or three) panes of glass in a thermal window. Argon is a good insulator.

Q. With all the technical terms, how can the average homeowner make comparisons?

A. The best way to compare windows is to check for a rating from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). Most major brands of windows have a sticker on them that lists their NFRC rating. The lower the number the better. To achieve a low score the manufacturer has to build the window carefully and incorporate a variety of energy saving features.

Q. Are “maintenance-free” windows really maintenance-free?

A. Most thermal replacement windows are made of wood, vinyl or a combination of the two. Vinyl windows require no painting, inside or out. Windows are the most difficult and expensive part of any painting project, so by eliminating the need to paint windows, homeowners can usually save a huge amount of money. Switching to “maintenance-free” vinyl windows may cut your painting bills by 50 percent. Vinyl windows still have to be cleaned, so they are not completely maintenance free.

Q. Is it a good idea to buy one of the well-known brands of windows I see advertised on television and in magazines?

A. All the well-known brands make at least one line of highly rated windows. The problem is that the well-known companies may also make other lower quality lines of windows — including some of the so-called bargain windows that are built to be cheap.

This means that you have to look beyond brand name. Many contractors install what are called “no-name” windows. Actually, the windows have a brand, just a brand no one has heard of. If you are working with a truly reputable contractor, he is not going to steer you towards a bad window — after all, his reputation is on the line. There are many well-made “no-name” windows that offer consumers a lot of bang for their buck.

Q. Is window replacement a big project?

A. In terms of dollars, it’s a big project. Doing the whole house may run many thousands of dollars. However, the work itself is pretty straightforward. A whole house can be done in as little as a day or two, with little disruption to interior spaces and household routines.

Q. Given the high cost of windows, does it make sense to borrow the money?

A. Borrowing to replace windows makes a lot of sense. You get your cozier, better-looking windows now, and the energy savings and maintenance savings will help offset your monthly payments. For most homeowners, a loan can be arranged wherein the interest costs are tax deductible, yielding additional savings. The savings will continue long after the payments have been completed.

 

If you’re considering upgrading your windows, call us today to schedule a free in-home estimate. One of our experienced professionals will discuss your various options in detail and work with you to find the best solution for your home and your budget. 

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