Our Guide to Investing in New Gutters, Windows, Siding, Insulation & Roofing
Our team answers homeowner questions every weekend on WCCO 830 AM from 9:00 am-10:00 am. Have your most pressing home improvement questions addressed by calling or texting 651-989-9226. Here’s the must-know information our COO, Andy Lindus, shared on 4.4.20.
A wet basement after a heavy rain can be a strong indicator that your home is need of leafless gutters. Gutters should be properly sized and kept clog-free to ensure that water is properly diverted away from your foundation. Another warning your gutters or drain tile need addressing is if you notice your home’s sump pump running frequently. Addressing this issue also means that your sump pump can have a longer lifespan because it is running less.
When it comes to home window replacement, there are some telltale signs that new windows are a necessity. These can include dry rot around the window frame, fog between the glass, and noticeable drafts. It is worth noting that many homeowners opt to complete home window replacement in phases, rather than replacing all of the windows in the house at once.
When homeowners of older homes hear their siding making a popping noise on frigid days, they rarely think to investigate their home’s insulation. However, popping noises can signal that the insulation may need attention. As temperatures drop, contraction within the siding occurs, causing pressure to build up. Eventually, the pressure releases, creating a popping sound. Colder temperatures can create substantial heat loss in an attic. If the hot air from the interior of the home meets cold surfaces within the attic, condensation can take place, leading to wet insulation.
Partnering with a reputable contractor that utilizes diagnostic testing tools such as infrared imaging and blower doors can allow you to pinpoint home energy deficiencies and create a plan that addresses them. Beware of any contractor that does not complete an attic inspection or does not discuss whether attic air sealing is needed in addition to insulation. Failure to address attic air flow promotes energyloss and condensation issues.
As temperatures begin to warm up, many homeowners are seeing areas on the exterior of their home that they have not set eyes on all winter. If siding has become discolored, warped, or cracked, it may be time for an upgrade. Maintenance-free options, such as LP® SmartSide®, are becoming increasingly popular. The product’s composition allows it to better withstand substantial rainfalls and high levels of humidity. LP® SmartSide® also better withstands hail and scratching than other siding products. Midwesterners appreciate that the product is manufactured in Two Harbors, Minnesota and Tomahawk, Wisconsin. Unlike wood siding, LP® SmartSide® is susceptible to wood pecker damage. Ultimate curb appeal is achieved when the LP® SmartSide® is prefinished in Diamond Kote® which is offered in an array of custom colors. Even more impressive is the 35-year, non-prorated warranty on the paint finish, making it the last siding you will likely ever buy.
One of the biggest roofing mistakes a homeowner can make is not taking the time to evaluate the warranties that come with various types of roofing material. Renowned asphalt shingle manufacturer, GAF offers a 50-year, non-prorated warranty that covers both labor and materials. Even more impressive, is that this warranty extends to the next owner of the home. Having a non-prorated warranty ensures that homeowners do not incur out of pocket expenses due to material and labor costs rising since the time of the installation. Metal roofing is accompanied with a 35-year, non-prorated product warranty. Equally as important is verifying whether the contractor offers a lifetime workmanship guarantee that protects the homeowner in the event of any premature product failure due to shoddy installation.
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