Home Improvement Decisions That Shouldn’t Be Taken Lightly
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 9.19.20.
The purchase of new house windows is not an investment that should be taken lightly. With so many manufacturers within the marketplace, the product selection process can quickly become overwhelming. One product that offers high levels of satisfaction with both contractors and homeowners alike is the Infinity® from Marvin window. It is comprised of Ultrex® fiberglass, which has proven to be eight times stronger than vinyl. Infinity® from Marvin windows have the option to be customized with the EverWood® interior finish which imitates the aesthetics of wood without the maintenance. While only double pane, they outperform the energy efficiency of many triple pane windows. This reduces the likelihood of condensation forming on the windows.
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While they’re one of the lesser talked about aspects of a deck, the footings shouldn’t be an afterthought. Diamond Pier® footings are ideal for wet soil types. They can be recognized by a concrete diamond at the top with pins that are jack hammered into the ground to give a tripod like presentation. Helical pier footings have the appearance of an ice auger that punctures the ground. They average a foot in diameter. An advantage helical pier systems have over Diamond Pier® footings is that they can be placed close to a home’s foundation without having to be hand dug.
Equally as important as the product being installed, are the techniques utilized by the craftsmen installing the new windows. When possible, full frame window installation should be used over pocket window installation because it allows for the inspection of rough openings, making it possible to correct any areas of air of water infiltration. When screening contractors, verify whether their installers specialize in the installation of the product you’re having installed and do not toggle throughout various departments of the company, as this increases the likelihood for installation errors that may not be immediately evident. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that even with siding, the materials selected can have a dramatic impact on how it is installed. For example, LP® SmartSide® needs to be installed to allow for expansion and contraction. Without this, the siding can become wavy and nails can pop out.
Fall is the optimum time for homeowners to have their home’s energy efficiency evaluated by a reputable professional. Blower door testing will highlight the areas of the home where energy is leaking and works particularly well during the times of the year when the interior temperatures is similar to the exterior temperature. Crawl spaces are an area of the home that is frequently lacking the proper amount of insulation. Adding spray foam insulation to the crawl space’s floors can do wonders for a home’s overall level of comfort and energy use. Note that spray foam is offered in open cell and closed cell options and which one should be used is dependent on the application. Attics should also be evaluated to see if insulation, ventilation, and attic air sealing can be improved upon.
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